Victorian Government has launched a new road safety initiative to encourage motorists to share the road with truck drivers
September 5, 2012
The Victorian Government has launched a new road safety initiative to encourage motorists to share the road with truck drivers.
The Road to Respect campaign will run until November 4 and involves the use of an interactive trailer exhibition that educates the public about heavy vehicles.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA), the Livestock Transport Association of Victoria (LTAV), the RACV, Victoria Police and members of the Victorian Freight Advisory Council are all taking part in the campaign.
VTA CEO Neil Chambers says VTA members and truck drivers are constantly concerned about the behaviour of some motorists around trucks.
“This campaign is designed to address those concerns, including imparting a better understanding of the physical aspects of heavy vehicles, like braking distances, blind spots and the need to afford trucks the necessary space to turn,” Chambers says.
The trailer will visit regional Victoria during the campaign, and Chambers says he hopes the initiative will have a positive impact on road safety.
“The majority of accidents involving trucks and other vehicles are caused by the other road vehicle unfortunately on too many occasions with deadly consequences,” he says.
“Everyone needs to give a thought to truck drivers. The road is their workplace, and improving driving behaviours by all road users will mean that truck drivers can get home less stressed and, more importantly, safely.”
