North Queensland refrigerated transport specialist Blenners Transport has shared tips for motorists to stay safe around truckies over the busy Christmas holiday period.
Writing on its company facebook page, Blenners asks that all motorists take a moment to read and consider the below points from “our professional driving team”:
1. Realise you are on holidays, we are not. We have to run to a work diary and adhere to many extra laws that car drivers are never told about.
2. The speed limit is 100, not 85, 90 or 95, but 100. If you would like to sit on a lesser speed to feel safe, we support that, but please assist us by lifting your right foot and allow us to pass you in the overtaking lanes, that’s why they are there. Not for you to speed up then slow down again.
3. Take breaks. Good places to stop are truck stops as they have good food and toilet facilities. This supports the locals and keeps our country going. Please also be mindful though to use the car parking bays and leave the truck bays for trucks. We are required to park trucks 26 metres long (or more) and as you may imagine, we need the spaces designed for us.
4. Have your lights on. Be seen, be safe, it costs nothing extra to travel with them on. Fog lights are for inclement weather only, so unless there is rain or fog, please turn them off. You will also save yourself a big fine for driving with them on when not needed.
5. Share the road. No single group has the monopoly, we all want to get home safe to our families.
6. Share the driving. Fatigue kills. If you don’t do a lot of long distance driving, then share it around.
7. Don’t be distracted. Put your phone away, let the passenger change the stereo, eat while you’re stopped – think safety first.
8. Do not drink or drug drive. Are the outcomes of a serious injury or death worth it? You need to stay alert as you never know what’s happening in the car travelling towards you. Stay alert = staying alive.
“Operators of heavy commercial vehicles have an exceptionally difficult job especially over the Christmas period with the explosion of extra vehicles on our roads,” the post reads.
“Remember – everything you purchase has been on a truck at some stage. Without trucks, Australia stops.
“Thank you and please stay safe on the roads this holiday season.”