State governments and Regulator to remind motorists on the correct driving behaviour around trucks
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and state governments are urging all road users to take care around heavy vehicles, ahead of the 2022 National Road Safety Week which runs from May 15 to 22.
NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Faraway says it was as timely reminder for all drivers to familiarise themselves with driving safely around heavy vehicles.
“There were 52 deaths in crashes involving heavy vehicles last year and while this number is steadily declining, there is more work to do,” Faraway says.
“I want all road users to recognise that trucks take longer to stop, have large blind spots and require extra care required when overtaking.”
According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE), there were 160 fatalities in crashes involving heavy vehicle in 2021 across Australia, with 52 in NSW, compared to 57 across NSW in 2020 and in 2019.
Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson says there were four deaths from crashes involving heavy vehicles in the state last year. “No death on our roads is acceptable,” he says.
“Often a truck crash can be avoided if light vehicle drivers are aware of the dangers of driving around a truck.
“This National Road Safety Week, we are joining with the NHVR to promote driving safely around heavy vehicles and share vital information that could save the life of your family or friends,” Ferguston adds.
“All drivers should reflect on the role they play in making our roads safer for everyone.”
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The NHVR states that it has a range of information to help light vehicle drivers operate safely around trucks, including the We Need Space campaign and Don’t Muck With A Truck campaign.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says National Road Safety Week was also a timely reminder for truck drivers to make sure they were operating safety.
“To support National Road Safety Week, our Stakeholder Engagement teams will be holding a National Truck Driver Information Day in four locations across the country, so no matter which major freight route you’re travelling on, drop in for a chat,” he says.
“These information days are important for our team to not only answer heavy vehicle questions and support drivers, but also get feedback from the industry.
“I encourage you all to go along.”
For more information visit www.roadsafetyweek.com.au or for heavy vehicle safety vehicle safety visit see the NHVR website www.nhvr.gov.au/weneedspace and www.nhvr.gov.au/dontmuckwithatruck