Trucks and caravanners: How to share the road safely this January
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding caravanners of the importance of sharing the road with heavy vehicles this January, as holidaymakers head off on New Year road trips across the country.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published on the NHVR website.
Caravanners need to respect truck rest areas
According to a survey by the NHVR, 60 per cent of caravanners have parked in a truck-specific rest area, and 22 per cent are doing so often. This can cause problems for truck drivers, who need these spaces to comply with their fatigue work and rest requirements.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said that fatigue is one of the leading factors that affect safety and heavy vehicle crashes, and caravanners should avoid using truck rest spaces unless absolutely necessary.
Caravanners need to communicate with truck drivers
The survey also revealed that only half of caravanners are aware that they can and should use their UHF radio to communicate with truck drivers on the road. This can help both parties to coordinate their movements and avoid collisions.
Mr Petroccitto said that using a UHF radio, if available, is vital for letting truck drivers know when caravanners are going to overtake them, or vice versa.
Caravanners need to follow safe driving tips
The campaign, which will be broadcast across social media throughout January, provides simple tips for drivers on how to drive safely around oversized loads, overtaking trucks, how to keep out of trucks’ blind spots, and rules around overtaking a turning truck.
NHVR Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Michelle Tayler said that the campaign is using humour and relatable scenarios to get the message across to caravanners.
“We joined forces with popular comedian Jimmy Rees earlier in the year to share this message with caravanners – because as a dad who likes caravanning during the school holidays, he has seen all sorts of drivers out there, especially when towing something heavy.”
“The videos provide an important safety message in a way that resonates with the average caravanners.”
For more information, visit We All Need Space.
Sources
NHVR urges caravanners to share the road and rest stops with truckies these holidays by NHVR, 2nd January, 2024.
