Truck Friendly advocate says: ‘Let’s remove the us and them mentality’

Caravan road safety researcher and campaigner Ken Wilson is reminding caravanners and motorhome drivers of the best ways to interact with truck drivers out on the road.

Ken founded and manages the popular Truck Friendly caravan movement, which has garnered over 26,000 followers on Facebook.

He revealed that one of the biggest complaints he hears from truck drivers relates to caravanners slowing down when they are approaching an overtaking lane or opportunity.

“They mistakenly believe that when they slow it makes it easier for the truck to overtake. In fact, it makes it much harder for the truck driver,” Ken said.

As he explained to his followers on the Truck Friendly Facebook page: “By slowing down before the overtaking lane, the truck driver behind you must also slow, therefore losing momentum and the engine may also slow to below its most powerful revs.

“It will then take longer to build up speed to overtake and it may run out of double lanes before it has completed the overtaking manoeuvre, leaving the caravan or RV with nowhere to go when their lane ends.

“Remember, many trucks are speed limited so cannot overtake at high speed. They may need help to get by safely.”

He tells caravanners and motorhome drivers that the best way to assist truck drivers is: “Maintain your speed until the truck is beside you in the other ‘overtaking’ lane, not behind you, and then ease off your accelerator to gently slow your rig. Keep your van straight and avoid heavy braking that may cause the van to sway.”

He continued, “The rush of air from the passing truck can also cause caravan sway, so be prepared.

“This will help the truck get past faster, safer and without losing valuable engine power or speed, especially as many overtaking lanes are on inclines where trucks and caravans struggle to maintain their speed.”

Truck Friendly also recommends communicating with the truck driver and letting them know what you intend to do before you do it. “They can then be prepared and know that you are a courteous and safe driver,” Ken said.

“Be sure to keep an eye on the rearview mirror and do a head check of your blind spot to ensure there are no other vehicles also wanting to overtake you at the same time tucked in behind the truck.

“It is better to have them overtake and get away from you than have them constantly behind you getting agitated, and you stressed not knowing when they will overtake.

“Agitated drivers have been known to overtake when it is not safe out of pure frustration – endangering the lives of themselves, you, and the other road users.

“There also may be that driver who tries to outrun you before the end of the overtaking lane, so always indicate early that you are running out of your lane and are moving back into the other lane when safe.

“Indicating and moving to the right-hand side of your lane will assist letting the other driver know of your intention to merge into the overtaking lane. Let them know your intentions early.”

Ken hopes to help remove the “us versus them” mentality out on the highways, between different user groups. “We are all road users, so let’s all work together to get to our destinations safely and on time,” he said.

Truck Friendly has also launched a new book called Safe Caravan Towing – The Manual, available in a print version or as an e-book. The 200-page manual features extensive road safety information relating to caravan use and is available for purchase via the Truck Friendly website.

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