The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is working to ensure the only upsetting part of this year’s Halloween is a costume malfunction – not a heavy vehicle incident.
Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to take extra care on and around roads, and remember witch cautions apply to moving around trucks.
NHVR Acting Executive Director Sarah Wade said the regulator was constantly seeking new ways to reiterate important safety messages to young audiences.
“Our recent Don’t #uck With A Truck campaign, which is aimed at L and P licence holders, has already had a significant impact through its message that Being Dead is Boring,” Ms Wade said.
“As part of the campaign, the NHVR recently released several videos to social media, portraying young drivers as ‘ghosts’ after an accident with a truck.
“These videos teach young people that not knowing how to safely share the road with trucks can result in a pretty scary outcome.”
The campaign videos have recorded more than two million impressions in the two weeks since their launch.
Some of the safety messages include not passing a turning truck, leaving enough room when overtaking a truck and not driving in a truck’s blind spot.
Ms Wade said the NHVR recognised the importance of speaking to young drivers in a way that resonated with them, to start important conversations on road safety.
“While the campaign is light-hearted, the messaging itself is very serious: don’t risk your own life or others’ by not taking care around heavy vehicles,” she said.
All people out and about this spooky season are urged to take extra care and have fun while being safe.
For pedestrians going trick-or-treating, remember the following safety measures:
- Only cross at designated pedestrian crossings,
- Don’t be preoccupied by mobile devices or other distractions when crossing the road, and
- Always check both ways before you step out.
For more tips or information on the NHVR’s latest safety campaign, visit www.dontmuckwithatruck.com.au