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NHVR starts truck safety campaign

The regulator issues warnings to keep trucks safe on the roads

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is starting a new safety campaign to promote truck and road safety.

The movement ‘Don’t Muck with a Truck’, provides details for all road users on what to do when encountering a truck turning, stopping or overtaking.

The NHVR has issued three lessons to drivers to ensure heavy vehicle operators and other motorists can safely travel on roads together.

These include leaving two lanes for trucks when they’re turning, warning against pulling in front of a truck and remaining patient when wanting to overtake a truck.

When it comes to leaving two lanes for trucks when turning, the NHVR says motorists should consider the size and turning capabilities of trucks.

“Truck drivers often need to take up more than one lane to turn at corners, intersections and roundabouts, so keep both lanes beside a truck free when it is turning,” the NHVR says.

“Truck drivers might not be able to see you next to them and you could collide with a truck as it turns.”

The regulator also warns against pulling in front of a truck can as it can cause a crash, with the NHVR recommending motorists to give trucks up to three or four times more space than they would allow when pulling in front of another car.


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This is because causing truck drivers to brake hard behind a car could cause the truck to swerve, lose control or crash.

Lastly, the NHVR also reminds motorists that patience is critical when overtaking a truck, despite it being frustrating when finding yourself stuck behind a truck.

“Wait for a dedicated overtaking lane or long stretch of road where you have a clear view ahead, then indicate and overtake quickly to reduce the time you’re in a truck’s blind spot,” the NHVR says.

“Only pull back in when you can see a truck’s headlights in your rear-view mirror.”

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