30 October 2012

Truck Drivers in the Waikato Invited to Take a Break

Truck drivers travelling through the Waikato district are being invited to 'take a break and drive safe' at truck education stops being held at two locations next month. Drivers will be able to enjoy a breakfast coffee and muffin; and have a walk-around check of their trucks carried out during their break.

The roadside stops are a joint initiative by the Waikato District Council, Police, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), National Road Carriers, and NZ Road Transport Association, who will all have staff on hand to chat to drivers about road safety and the importance of vehicle safety checks.

The first truck stop will be in Huntly on State Highway 1 on Wednesday 7 November and the second will be at 'Heavens Rest' on State Highway 2 at Maramarua on Thursday 22 November - both will take place between 5am and 8am each morning.

Waikato District Council road safety coordinator, Megan Jolly, said this initiative had been held in the region in previous years. "Truck drivers welcome the chance to get out of the cab and take advantage of these stops. They are an extremely valuable opportunity where they can learn about road safety issues and regulations. Although many truck organisations provide educational opportunities for their drivers, many do not - so this is a relaxed, low-key way for them to access that information and refresh themselves at the same time."

"Statistics show there are still a large number of crashes involving trucks in the Waikato region, between 2007-2011 these included 174 serious injuries and 88 fatalities," said Ms Jolly. "However, only some of these crashes were attributed to truck driver error. That's why it's important that ALL drivers on the road are aware of safety around trucks while driving, particularly in relation to ensuring there is plenty of room and visibility to pass trucks safely."

Key focus areas of the stops include speed management, checking load safety and driver health. The truck stops also reinforce the Safe System approach to road safety, which is part of the Safer Journeys, New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy 2010–2020. The Safe System approach recognises that people make mistakes and aims to reduce the impact on people when crashes happen. The approach features four key areas of focus - safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe drivers. It is these last three which will be particularly highlighted at the truck stops.

Senior Sergeant Lex Soepnel from the Police Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit agrees, noting that the speed of a heavy motor vehicle can make a difference in any crash.

"Many heavy motor vehicle drivers are also still not wearing seat belts, despite this being compulsory for a number of years now. These truck stops are an ideal opportunity for drivers to speak to the agencies involved and clarify any issues they may have or be unsure about, from filling in logbooks; to completing walk around checks each time they have a break or change the load on their vehicle. These drivers are professionals and it's important that they maintain a professional attitude with the appropriate skills to ensure that everyone is able to return home at the end of the day."

NZTA access and use manager, David Pearks says the Agency is keen to support or provide any initiative which reminds truck drivers and other road users about the need to stay alert, aware, avoid driver fatigue, watch speeds, drive to the conditions and maintain a safe vehicle. "The Safe System multi-pronged approach acknowledges that safety on our roads is greater than the sum of its parts and that road safety partners and drivers have a shared responsibility around this."
ENDS

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