Be Truck Aware

Be Truck Aware

Trucks have 4 main blind spots

Due to their size and length, trucks have larger blind spots than the average car. This means truck drivers may not be able to see you. So for everyone’s safety, be cautious when driving next to, or behind a truck – can they see you?

Truck drivers are looking out for you, so you should look out for them – it’s a shared responsibility.

 

Trucks can’t stop quickly

Trucks can’t stop as quickly as some other vehicles on our roads. Avoid merging in front of trucks, or unexpectedly stepping in front of trucks to cross the road.

A B-double truck travelling at only 40km/h can take up to 44 metres to stop.

If the same truck is travelling at 60km/h, the stopping distance more than doubles to 90 metres.

 

In comparison, a car travelling at 40km/h takes about 27 metres to stop. At 60km/h, that distance jumps to 56 metres.

Look out, trucks about

With increased construction work across Greater Metropolitan Sydney, there are more trucks on our roads and changed traffic conditions. If you live, work or travel in Sydney take extra care around trucks.

Everyone has a part to play in staying safe on our roads – whether you’re walking, cycling, riding or driving, always take care around trucks.

Pedestrians

When walking around Sydney you need to be aware that there are more trucks on our roads.
Whether you’re familiar with the route or visiting a new area, follow these tips to help you stay safe:

  • Trucks have blind spots. Take extra care as drivers can’t always see you.
  • Only cross at designated pedestrian crossings
  • Don’t be distracted by mobile devices and remove headphones before crossing the road.
  • Always look out before you step out when crossing the road.

    Bicycle riders

    Cycling is a great way to explore Sydney - but with more trucks on our roads, you need to be extra vigilant. Follow these helpful tips to keep safe around trucks:

    • Trucks have blind spots. Take extra care as drivers can’t always see you.
    • Make eye contact with truck drivers, especially at intersections, so you know they have seen you
    • Don’t overtake a truck when it's turning. Trucks need extra space when turning and may take up more than one lane.
    • Don't pass on the inside of a truck about to turn. Allow the truck to pass and then safely continue your journey.
    • Always follow the road rules and ride with care. 

    Motorcycle riders

    When riding a motorcycle around Sydney, you need to take extra care near trucks. Follow these helpful tips to keep you safe around trucks:

    • Trucks have blind spots. Take extra care as drivers can’t always see you.
    • Avoid lane filtering near trucks.
    • Trucks may have trailers attached and can be longer than expected. Take care when changing lanes around trucks.
    • Avoid trying to overtake a truck when it's turning. Trucks need extra space and may take up more than one lane.
    • Always follow the road rules and ride with care.

    Harvest season

    Take extra care when driving around trucks and agricultural vehicles during harvest season. Harvesting takes place in central and northern NSW from early November to January.

    Follow these helpful tips to keep you safe:

    • Trucks and agricultural vehicles may move slowly. Take care and be patient.
    • Don’t try and overtake until it’s safe.
    • If you see a pilot vehicle, it means an oversize vehicle is approaching. Prepare to slow down and change your lane position. Oversize vehicles need extra space.
    • Oversize vehicles have blind spots and may not see you. Take extra care.
    • Heavy vehicles may have trailers attached and can be longer than expected. Take care when changing lanes.
    • If you can, share the driving to prevent fatigue crashes.

    For more information