The Australian Trucking Association has released the first of a new series of animated videos designed to show motorists how to share the road safely with heavy vehicles.

The first video highlights the dangers of cutting in to the large space left between a truck and the vehicle in front, and explains that trucks need this extra space to stop safely if required.

The video features the animated Safety Truck character from the ATA’s upgraded road safety exhibition, the Safety Truck.

The Chief Executive of the ATA, Stuart St Clair, said the video series would illustrate some of the most essential points from the new Truckies Top Tips.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and the trucking industry is constantly working to improve our safety record. However, there are a number of common mistakes that car drivers make around trucks that can put everyone in a dangerous situation,” Mr St Clair said.

“By giving motorists advice on how to stay safe on the road around heavy vehicles, we can do more to prevent these avoidable accidents and help make sure everyone gets home safely.”

The full video series will be available online, with a new video released each week. The videos will also be on display in the Safety Truck.

Coming up next week: don’t overtake turning trucks.