The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is calling for all road users to slow down and take regular rest breaks over the festive holidays.

ATA Chief Executive Christopher Melham said Santa was the only one with an excuse to hurry this Christmas.

“With long traffic queues and festive events to get to, many people feel pressured to drive faster or for longer periods in order to get to their destination sooner. But it’s much better to arrive safely than to speed towards an accident,” Mr Melham said.

“Fatigue management is also essential, with big meals and long days making it easy to feel sleepy behind the wheel.

“Stick to the speed limit and avoid driving when tired. Share the trip with another qualified driver, and pull over for breaks when you need them.”

Mr Melham asked trucking operators and drivers to be mindful of holiday road users, and schedule in extra time to account for traffic delays. 

“Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for many trucking businesses, and it’s also one of the busiest times on the road. Make sure your driver schedules have plenty of time to account for heavy traffic conditions,” he said.

“We remind professional drivers to be patient and share the road safely – with many people driving unfamiliar roads or towing a boat or caravan for the first time all year, it’s particularly important to watch out for other motorists and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front.

The ATA has also shared a holiday safety message as part of its animated Safety Truck video series, which recommends a few simple tips for motorists to help make everyone’s holiday safer:

• Stay out of heavy vehicle blind spots. If you sit in the blind spots immediately behind a truck or close to the left passenger door, the driver may not know you are there. Cutting in front of a truck can also put you in the forward blind spot.
  
   
• Don’t cut in front of trucks as they slow for traffic lights or when you’re out on the highway. A truck needs a greater distance to stop than you expect, because they are much heavier than cars.
  
   
• Don’t overtake trucks when they are turning. Trucks often need to turn from the centre lane at intersections and corners, so stay well back.

Road users can watch the animated road safety video and download the full list of truckie’s top tips at www.safetytruck.com.au.