COOTAMUNDRA MOTORISTS ENCOURAGED TOBE TRUCK AWARE
31 January 2018
Motorists in the Cootamundra electorate are being encouraged to be truck aware after a recent rise in the number of heavy truck-related crashes on the state’s roads.
Minister for Roads Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey arrived in the front seat of a truck having travelled over 200 kilometers to meet Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke to send an important road safety message.
The message follows urgent meetings between the NSW Government and the trucking industry, both pledging to work together to reduce the number of crashes involving trucks.
Mrs Pavey said yesterday there are more trucks on our roads than ever before, and last year 81 people were killed in heavy truck-related crashes, 61 of those people lost their lives on country roads.
“The vehicles that share our roads differ in size and shape and all road users must play their part in taking extra care around trucks,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Crashes that involve a truck are likely to have more serious consequences than one involving a lighter vehicle, especially on high-speed roads.
“It’s vital that all road users stick to the road rules, obey the signs and remain vigilant when it matters most.
Ms Cooke said the change in behaviour will ensure that we can prevent or reduce the severity of a crash if it were to occur.”
“Drivers need to ensure trucks are given space as they can’t stop as quickly as other vehicles, always have a three second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you,” Ms Cooke said.
“For example, an unloaded B-double travelling at 60km/h will take around 67 metres to come to a halt – imagine how long it would take for them to stop if they were travelling at 100km/h on the highway.
“Drivers should also avoid merging in front of trucks especially on our highways, and remember that trucks have blind spots and can’t always see you.”
The NSW Government is continuing to work with the trucking industry to improve vehicle and road user safety, and is expected to release its new Road Safety Plan 2021 in the coming months that will outline a range of actions to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads.
About Towards Zero:
Towards Zero represents the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing road trauma and achieving the ultimate goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads. We’ve adopted a ‘safe system’ approach to ensure safe roads, safe vehicles, safe speeds and safe road user behaviours work together to create a road system that not only keeps us moving, but keeps us safe. For more information visit towardszero.nsw.gov.au
