NRMA President Wendy Machin is calling for all drivers on country roads to heed road sharing advice, drive more carefully and be aware of vehicles around them.

“Drivers of all vehicles need to be aware that trucks come in different shapes and sizes and are integral to the day-to-day functions of communities across the nation,” Ms Machin said.

“There are about 100,000 NSW-registered trucks on the road and this number will increase. 

“Trucks put food on our supermarket shelves, transport vital supplies and are responsible for three-quarters of Australia’s freight – all drivers need to be educated on how to share the road with them.”

NRMA recommends these safety measures:

• Be aware of blind spots Trucks have large blind spots on both sides and beside the left door. The safest place to drive near a truck is well in front or well behind it where the driver can see you.
  
• Keep to the left Trucks use the entire lane, so try to avoid travelling close to the centre line on a road. When a truck overtakes you, the air turbulence could create a buffeting effect, especially if you are towing anything.
  
• Keep your distance Tailgating any vehicle is dangerous, but even more so when travelling close to the rear of a large vehicle. If you can’t see the side mirrors of the truck in front of you, the driver can’t see you. Truck drivers also need to make sure they don’t drive too close to any vehicle in front of them.
  
• Indicate your intentions Truck drivers need extra space to clear intersections, change lanes and overtake. Keeping a safe distance from trucks means the driver can manoeuvre safely and minimise the risk of a crash. All drivers need to give plenty of notice before changing lanes or turning.
  
• Give space to brake Trucks are bigger and heavier than cars and take longer to stop safely. At 90km/h a truck can take twice the distance to stop as a car. Sudden braking by other drivers in front of trucks can put them at a high risk of collision.
  
• Care when overtaking Ensure there is enough space for you to overtake safely.  Make sure you overtake quickly within the speed limit and merge back into the lane only when you see both of the truck’s headlights in your rear-vision mirror.
  
• Lights at night Trucks have large mirrors with no anti-glare position, so using high beams behind a truck can dazzle the driver and contribute to driver fatigue. Make sure you dim your lights when approaching any vehicle. 
  
• Be patient Many trucks need to enter or leave driveways, roads or loading docks. Because of the size of some trucks, the road may be blocked for a short period when reversing. Never try to go around the back of a reversing vehicle as the truck driver may not be able to see you or the truck may be concealing a hazard.

Open Road March/April 2010