With high traffic volumes expected over the Easter long weekend, the Chief Executive of the Australian Trucking Association, Christopher Melham, has called for all road users to take care and avoid being an April fool on the road these holidays.

“With the long Easter weekend and school holidays coming up, we all know there will be a lot of extra traffic on the road. At this busy time, it’s more important than ever for all road users to share the road safely,” Mr Melham said.

“You can help by avoiding heavy vehicle blind spots, particularly the main ones directly behind the truck and close in by the left passenger door. If your vehicle sits in these areas, the truck driver may not know that you are there.

“If you plan to overtake a heavy vehicle, wait until you have plenty of clear road ahead.

“Don’t let frustration or deadlines turn you into an April fool on the road this Easter. Leave plenty of time to get where you’re going, show respect for your fellow road users, and take a break if you feel tired.”

Mr Melham also reminded trucking operators and heavy vehicle drivers to be patient with holiday traffic.

“Easter traffic delays can be legendary. Make sure you factor them into your schedule so you don’t need to make up time in heavy holiday traffic,” Mr Melham said.

“Keep in mind that a lot of holiday motorists are driving for longer hours than usual, or towing the boat or caravan for their once-a-year trip. These drivers may be unfamiliar with their route or load, so give them plenty of space to manoeuvre.”

Mr Melham said there were a few tips that motorists and truck drivers should note to make everyone’s Easter safer:

• Stick to the speed limit and take regular rest breaks.
   
• Don’t start your long holiday trip on Thursday night after a full day at work. You can’t drive safely when you’re tired. Get a full night’s sleep before you leave.
   
• Don’t cut in front of trucks. Truck drivers leave a large gap between their vehicle and the car in front because a heavy vehicle needs almost twice as much room to brake as a car.
   
• Stay out of truck blind spots – if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
   
• Leave room for heavy vehicles to get in and out of roadside rest areas. Heavy vehicle drivers are legally obligated to take rest breaks at certain times, but may not be able to take them if other road users are parked too close to the entrance or exit of a rest area.