New Safety Campaign Aims to Teach Learner Drivers How to Navigate Around Trucks

Driving safely around trucks is a vital skill for all motorists, but new research reveals that many learner drivers are unprepared for the challenge. According to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), only 52% of learner drivers have received practical training on how to behave around large vehicles with limited visibility.

To address this gap, the NHVR has launched a new safety campaign, focusing on young drivers at the Schoolies Nation Festival on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Why Truck Safety Training Matters

Sharing the road with trucks requires specific skills and awareness. Trucks have significant blind spots, longer stopping distances, and reduced maneuverability compared to smaller vehicles. Misjudging these factors can lead to dangerous situations.

“Understanding how to drive safely around trucks is one part of ensuring these young people will thrive in life beyond high school,” said NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM.

The Campaign at Schoolies

At the Schoolies Nation Festival, young drivers will:

• Step into a semi-trailer: Participants can explore the interior of a truck to understand its limitations from the driver’s perspective.
• Test their knowledge: A video arcade game will challenge participants to make safe driving decisions around heavy vehicles.

The aim is to engage young drivers in a practical and memorable way, helping them grasp the realities of sharing the road with trucks.

The Problem: Poor Awareness and Risky Behavior

Research by Transurban’s latest Insights Road Safety report highlights the urgency of this campaign:

• Only 3% of drivers aged 18 and older could correctly identify all five truck blind spots.
• Awareness of truck blind spots has dropped 9% since 2022.

Additionally, common dangerous behaviors around trucks include:

• Impatience and cutting off trucks without allowing sufficient stopping distance.
• ‘Ghosting’ by driving in a truck’s blind spot.
• Tailgating or failing to give large vehicles enough room when overtaking.

The Road Ahead: Saving Lives Through Education

With summer road trips on the horizon, the NHVR hopes this campaign will equip young drivers with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads.

“Getting your licence and going on road trips all involve sharing the road with heavy vehicles,” Petroccitto said. “If we can help spread the message about how to do so safely, then we can help save lives.”

By addressing the gaps in learner driver education and raising awareness of truck blind spots, the NHVR’s initiative could prevent accidents and promote safer roads for everyone.

Takeaway for Learner Drivers

If you’re learning to drive or recently licensed, here’s what you can do to stay safe around trucks:

1. Avoid blind spots: Stay visible to the truck driver by avoiding areas around the truck’s sides and rear where visibility is limited.
2. Give trucks space: Allow ample room when overtaking or merging in front of a truck.
3. Be patient: Understand that trucks need more time to stop and maneuver.
4. Stay aware: Keep an eye on a truck’s signals and anticipate their movements.

Educating yourself on these basics could save your life—and the lives of others.