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Transurban joins forces for truck safety campaign

The operator company will promote truck safety in a campaign with the QTA

Road operator company Transurban is joining with the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) to promote truck safety during the upcoming National Road Safety Week.

Starting on Monday May 16, the campaign will have motorists showing support for the heavy vehicle industry and its drivers through an education process that promotes safe interactions with trucks on Australian roads.

The recognition follows the transport industry’s ability to maintain its efficiency despite recent disruptions caused by COVID-19 and weather events.

Transurban head of road safety Liz Waller says road safety must be promoted as a shared responsibility between all road users.

“With increased numbers of private vehicles returning to the roads alongside heavy vehicle transport, I urge everyone to think about how they can share the road safely, as well as getting to know truck blind spots and start conversations about truck safety,” Waller says.

“Professional truck drivers regularly encounter other road users conducting quick lane changes or lingering in their blind spots without knowing they danger they place the truck driver in.”

Waller says the lack of awareness on these issues can often cause road accidents or near misses, which Transurban analyses using in-vehicle data and roadway technologies to emphasise safety for all road users.


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QTA CEO Gary Mahon shares Transurban’s wish for road safety and says investing in truck safety education is key to maintaining safety on the roads.

“There are a few simple steps motorists can take to rescue the risk of incident when sharing the road with trucks,” Mahon says.

“If a truck is in your vicinity, then avoid driving immediately behind it as you won’t be visible to the driver. If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors when behind it then they can’t see you.”

Mahon also calls on drivers to sit behind the trailer when driving next to a truck and to remain educated about truck blind spots and the danger that fatigue poses.

Mahon wants truck drivers’ workplaces on the roads to be as safe as possible.

“We encourage people to seek out opportunities to get into a truck cabin to heighten awareness around blind spots and the importance of respecting the space of heavy vehicles,” Mahon says.

“We are fortunate to have several large truck manufacturers in Australia who understand the environment of our roads and continue designing innovative safety features, but the reality is many motorists remain unaware of truck blind spots or the length of stopping distance required.”

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