Prior to the long weekend, The Premier of NSW, Minister for Police, and the NSW Police Deputy Commissioner officially launched Operation Slow Down on September 28.

The road safety enforcement campaign concludes on Monday, October 2, however it’s message should continue. The theme of the campaign is ‘Choose your ride’, asking motorists whether they want to end up in a police car, ambulance or hearse?

Operation Slow Down, includes double-demerits for drivers who exhibit dangerous behaviours, including speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use and failure to wear a seat belt.

 

Australian Trucking Association (ATA) CEO, Ben Maguire, said while the roads would be busier with additional traffic, truck drivers will still be hard at work on the road. He urged drivers to be cautious and always exercise common sense. He also reminded drivers to take a break if they’re tired or unwell.

The ATA’s top tips include:

• Don’t rush: enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

• Stick to speed limits and take regular breaks.

• Factor in plenty of time and take regular breaks along the way no matter how far you are travelling.

“Remember also that truckies will still be out there on the roads working, so taking it easy will make everyone safer and help them do their job,” he said.

Source: http://www.portnews.com.au/story/4954176/road-safety-paramount-this-long-weekend/

It’s also interesting to note that light motor vehicles are at fault in more than 80 per cent of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving a truck.

Despite this fact, trucks should also be cautious with the increase in light motor vehicle traffic on the road.

• A few simple tips for motorists to keep safe on the roads and make the drive a little easier for truckies include:

• Don’t cut in front of trucks. Truck drivers leave a large gap between their vehicle and the car in front because a heavy vehicle needs almost twice as much room to brake as a car.

• Stay out of truck blind spots – if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.

• Leave room for trucks to get in and out of roadside rest areas. Truckies are required by law to take rest breaks, but may not be able to if other road users are parked too close to the entrance or exit of a rest area.

Source: http://www.portnews.com.au/story/4954176/road-safety-paramount-this-long-weekend/