Trucking industry committed to rollover prevention

The high level of interest in the Rollover Prevention Safer Journeys Programme shows a tangible commitment from the trucking industry to address the issue of truck rollover, says Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Ken Shirley.

“The road transport industry takes our responsibility as users of New Zealand’s public roading network very seriously,” says Shirley.

“There is no higher priority to our industry than the safety of our drivers and other road users, which is why the Road Transport Forum and our member associations are determined to do all we can to help prevent truck rollover.”

“It is no secret that New Zealand has a high number of rollovers compared with other OECD countries. Our topography and difficult driving conditions are major contributing factors yet cannot be used as an excuse.”

“Our objective in putting together the Rollover Prevention Safer Journeys Programme is to ensure our drivers are armed with the best possible information on the range of factors affecting heavy vehicle stability and handling performance.”

“It is imperative that we educate drivers and freight loaders on how to mitigate the factors that can cause a truck to roll.”

28 individual seminars have already been planned around the country and interest from the industry is likely to expand the series even further.

“The uptake of the Programme is really encouraging,” says Shirley. “The first two seminars were attended by over 120 people and interest is only increasing as the series progresses.”

The Rollover Prevention Programme is a joint initiative between the Road Transport Forum and NZTA

“The Forum is extremely grateful for the support we have received from NZTA and especially vehicle safety specialist Jeff Fleury for presenting these outstanding seminars.”

“The recent spate of truck rollovers, especially in Northland, shows just how timely this programme is and I’d strongly encourage all transport operators, drivers and loaders to attend at least one of the upcoming seminars,” says Shirley.

Two seminars are scheduled in Whangarei on 26 and 27 May. The full schedule of seminars is available at www.rtfnz.co.nz.

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