Truck drivers need to be especially cautious when driving on residential roads as an incident on the Sunshine Coast recently proved. A 48 year old Victorian tourist was injured after being hit by a truck while cycling, necessitating that he be flown to hospital for treatment.
The tourist was struck down by a 3.5 tonne truck while cycling,as this post from a BrisbaneTimes.com.au article proves:
The cyclist, from Warrnambool, was hit by a 3.5 tonne truck near the corner of Beckmans and Cooroy-Noosa roads early Thursday morning.He was flown by the RACQ CareFlight Rescue helicopter to Nambour Hospital in a stable condition.One in 10 of all RACQ CareFlight operations involve treating and transporting patients seriously injured in road accidents.
As professional drivers we have to be so much more cautious than other road users because we spend most of our time on the road, also because our actions usually have more serious implications not only for ourselves but for others as well. For example an irresponsible pedestrian may step in front of traffic and cause a crash, most probably injuring him/herself the most in the process but the irresponsible actions of a truckie may affect other road users may drastically if a crash is caused, perhaps fatally.
It is also important that as truck drivers we are aware of our responsibilities under the law, in order to do this the government has mandated Chain of Responsibility training for drivers and all others involved in the supply chain. By educating drivers and other employees, operators, consignees and consignors of their duty of care, the government hopes to minimise the number of road crashes linked to heavy vehicles.
Truckies need to be particularly careful of areas with high foot traffic as well as cyclists. Also around parks or areas where people commonly walk their dogs, be on the lookout for pedestrians and their pets. Another common occurrence are cyclists who aren’t always properly visible to the truck driver, perhaps because they may linger in one of the truck’s blindspots – be cautious if you know the area is one where people commonly cycle.
Abiding by the speed limit is also vital at all times but particularly so in residential areas and school zones. Children may behave erratically and could unexpectedly run out into the road. Try to avoid school zones, in the day in particular, but if not possible drive with extreme caution.
Avoid passing vehicles in the vicinity of schools, parks etc. and especially in hazardous driving conditions such as heavy rain or night driving. If visibility is bad, slow down – avoid driving when your vision is impaired either by strong rain or the blinding headlights of approaching vehicles.
Be on the lookout for pedestrians walking at the side of the road with their backs towards you and around entertainment districts be on the lookout for intoxicated people who may unexpectedly step into the path of the truck.
