The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has built on its We All Need Space road safety campaign with the ‘A Truckie Knows’ series.
‘A Truckie Knows’ is the latest instalment of the campaign which features a series of truck drivers stepping into the spotlight to share their knowledge and experience of making Australia’s roads safer.
NHVR Executive Director, Michelle Tayler, said the NHVR is using the program to remind road users about the importance of respect for other drivers as well as the risks of speed and tailgating.
“There are truck drivers on Australia’s roads who have seen first-hand the full spectrum of driver behaviour,” she said.
“When you’re covering hundreds of thousands of kilometres of road, you learn important lessons like respect being a two-way street, leaving space for other drivers to make mistakes and that speeding doesn’t get you there faster.
“A Truckie Knows is about highlighting our truck drivers and the critical job they do, and asking them to share this wisdom with their peers.”
According to the NHVR, many of these truck drivers’ experiences coincide with alarming road safety statistics.
A recent survey conducted by the regulator found that 64 per cent of light vehicle drivers reported tailgating as the most common aggressive driving behaviour experienced from heavy vehicles.
Additionally, the survey found that nearly nine in 10 truck drivers reported experiencing a dangerous situation with a light vehicle over a four-week period.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said the Government is also committed to ensuring safety is a priority for all drivers.
“One of the most important elements of road safety is giving every single vehicle the space it needs,” he said.
“As this campaign calls out, we can all influence the way we interact with other road users.”
Wemyss Transport’s Robert Topp is one of the drivers which have been featured in the campaign, and he said he was proud to voice his experiences from over two decades of driving and join the NHVR in calling on all drivers to share the road safely.
“Being a truck driver isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle,” he said.
“We all know in theory how to make the roads as safe as possible, but this campaign is about making sure safe driving behaviour is always front of mind and reinforcing the message of respect.
“A truckie knows these things, and we can all help to drive the message home.”
In other news, Riordan Fuels founder, Robert Riordan, has announced his retirement.
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