A new Facebook road safety campaign is being implemented today to encourage drivers to stay safe and avoid accidents as they take off for the long weekend.

Australian Trucking Association (ATA) CEO, Ben Maguire, says extra traffic is expected on the roads as people head off for the break, and is reminding road users that truck drivers will still be hard at work.

“Everyone is keen to get on with their journey, but safety has to come first,” he says. “We all have an obligation to be patient and share the road, so a little understanding from all drivers will go a long way.

“There will be plenty more vehicles on the road, so always use common sense and be cautious. If you don’t feel up to driving, if you’re tired or feeling unwell, take a break, or let another driver takeover”.

Ben says that drivers planning a getaway this long weekend should check the ATA’s Facebook page for updates, video content and top tips. These 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,” Ben says.

Light vehicles are found to be at fault in over 80% of fatal multi-vehicle crashes involving a heavy vehicle. 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.

“Check out our safety videos and community service announcements that will be running across the holiday period. You can also take a look at our Facebook posts for more tips, advice and updates or visit www.safetytruck.com.au,” Ben says.