B-double rollover reinforces truck awareness message

NSW reminds light-vehicle drivers of shared road safety responsibility

 

A crash on the Hume Highway, north of Tarcutta, in which a B-double livestock truck rolled after an incident involving a 4WD towing a caravan, has led authorities to reinforce their message that road safety is a shared responsibility.  

The collision occurred on February 10 with the truck driver trapped inside before being taken to the hospital in a stable condition. It was reported by local news that 23 of 46 steers were deceased.

Local news also quoted witnesses as telling authorities that “the truck was sideswiped by a four-wheel drive towing a caravan, causing it to flip and lose control”.

Comments on social media highlighted the fractious road-sharing relationship between heavy vehicles and caravans, especially around this time of year.

In response, Transport for NSW has reinforced its ‘Be Truck Aware’ message, noting that due to trucks’ bigger blind spots and inability to slow down as quickly as other vehicles, motorists should avoid merging in front of trucks or unexpectedly stepping in front of trucks to cross the road.  


Cars and caravans taking up space at rest areas has long been an issue for long-distance drivers. Read more, here


“If an unloaded B-double truck is travelling at 60km/h, it takes around 67 metres for it to stop,” TfNSW Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon tells ATN.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility and we all have a part to play in preventing deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“With more trucks on our roads than ever, it’s imperative that everyone takes responsibility for driving safely.

“Make sure you stick to the road rules, obey the signs and remain vigilant.”

 

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