1. CUT OUT CUTTING IN
Don’t cut in front of trucks when they slow for traffic lights or out on the highway. A truck needs more road space to stop than you think, so please leave plenty of room in front of the truck.
2. DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE
There is a sign on the back of trucks that says “DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE”. It warns that the truck is at least 7.5 metres long and needs more room when turning. This sign allows trucks to legally turn from the centre lane at intersections, corners and round-a-bouts. So. stay back, don’t move into the blind spots to the left of the truck, or drive directly behind the trailer. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the truck mirrors, he or she can’t see you.
3. MAINTAIN YOUR SPEED
When being overtaken by a truck, please maintain your speed and do not accelerate. In fact, it is good to slow for a moment to allow the truck to pass more easily.
4. 100 KPH SPEED LIMITING
Speed limiting means no engine power is delivered above 100 km/hr, however gravity can push us faster downhill. Truck drivers like to be at the legal speed approaching hills in order to lessen delays to all traffic, but if we slow going uphill or when overtaking, we are doing the best we can.
5. ROAD POSITIONING
A truck uses its entire lane. If you stay to the left when approaching an oncoming truck you will lessen buffeting from air turbulence, particularly if you are towing a boat or caravan. If stopped or broken down, try to park well clear of the roadway. Use hazard lights and to be safely seen at night, ensure your headlights are switched off and parking lights are on.
6. LIGHTS AT NIGHT
High beam glare contributes to night driving fatigue. Dip your high beam before reaching a crest or curve or when flashed by a truck. When coming up behind a truck dip early because truck mirrors are large and don’t have an anti-glare position. Do not be offended if a truck flashes lights at you – it is the best way to ask you to dip your lights and save glare on their eyes.
7. TOWING CARAVANS & BOATS
If you are being overtaken by a truck, please maintain your speed and stay in your lane. Let the professional truck driver overtake you in a smooth way, even if takes some time. We support the idea and benefits of caravan CB-UHF 18 and CB 18 radio.
8. OVERTAKE WITH CARE
Stay well back behind the truck. Be certain you can see sufficient clear road ahead. When you are sure it is safe, signal, move out, give a quick flash of the headlights and pass quickly but sensibly. Don’t move back in until you can see both the truck’s headlights in your mirrors and do not slow down.
9. ROUND-A-BOUTS
The “DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE” sign applies at round-a-bouts too, so please stay back. Larger trucks make wide turns and often need the entire roadway. Truck drivers try to anticipate traffic flows at round-a-bouts to avoid stopping. The truck is not racing you into the round-a-bout – the driver is trying not to disrupt the smooth flow of traffic, so please stay back to allow plenty of room..
10. ROAD COURTESY
Patience and courtesy can prevent road rage. Better to give or receive a friendly wave of thanks than a shaken fist. Like you, truck drivers want to get home safely to their families, so let us all learn to share the road safely.
