The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched a new major road safety awareness campaign titled, “Don’t #uck With A Truck” targeting learners and P-platers.
The campaign demonstrates how L and P licence holders can drive safely around trucks, including rules to follow when trucks are turning, stopping and how to overtake a truck.
“The campaign is intentionally provocative and is designed to grab the target audience’s attention and start important conversations around road safety,” said NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto.
“Getting an L or P plate is a big step in a young person’s life – it is essential they have the information and skills to stay safe around trucks and develop positive long term driving behaviours.”
He added: “Our goal is to prevent situations where a young driver could be in a lane next to a turning truck, or they pull in front of a truck too soon.”
A Purprofile survey of 500 L and P licence holders aged between 16 and 25 found 78 per cent of participants were unable to identify the correct stopping distance for a prime mover semi-trailer truck travelling 80 km/h, which is 116 metres.
Less than half (45 per cent) knew to keep one lane either side of a truck free when it is turning.
When it came to how to overtake a truck safely, 30 per cent of respondents didn’t know you should only pull back in front of a truck when you can see its headlights in your rear-view mirror.
‘Don’t #uck With A Truck’ will appear online on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and across billboards and university O-Week pop-ups. The campaign is funded by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.
