etruck.com.au

Isuzu’s Director and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Taylor. is drawing the industry’s attention to the yawning gap between the public perception of trucks on the road and the actual facts as they stand today. On reading the report from a recent survey into the public attitude towards the transport industry there is a very obvious lack of understanding in the public at large.

When presented with a list of all the latest safety features available as standard or as an option on a modern truck, many respondents to the survey thought the list was a wish list of desirable systems and thought they should be fitted if they had been invented.

This was probably the most surprising finding of the entire survey although much of the other data  collected will provide the truck manufacturers and the transport industry with useful food for thought and leave them better informed about how the general public perceive them and their industry.

Taylor said that the latest range of trucks boasted active and passive safety features comparable to passenger vehicles and were a far cry from the heavy vehicles of only a few short years ago.

“Many of the trucks now available on the market are well equipped with safety devices such as ABS brakes, traction control, hill start aid and SRS airbags, not only does this equipment help protect the driver and cargo, but all road users,” he said.

“Australia further benefits from some of the most professional truck drivers in the world, boasting plenty of experience driving in a wide variety of conditions, while our more novice drivers are subjected to comprehensive licensing regimes prior to being handed the keys.”

Taylor alludes to recent research conducted by Dr Susan Dann on behalf of the Truck Industry Council (TIC), which found that the public perception of trucks was generally negative.

“The respondents mainly focused on the negative aspects of heavy vehicles – noise, environmental concerns and traffic congestion. There is considerable ignorance amongst the wider general public as to the important role trucks play in our society in transporting just about every consumer product imaginable,” Taylor said.

“Many respondents were also oblivious to the safety features and technology of present day trucks.”

Taylor said that despite the advances in heavy vehicle technology leading to safer trucks, it was the responsibility of all road users to take extra care over the Christmas holidays.

“The summer holiday period is traditionally a time when families pack the car and head off to visit family and friends or travel to their favourite holiday destination for a few days’ break,” he said. “Unfortunately it’s also a time that is synonymous with carnage on our roads.

“During busier periods, it’s essential that all road users remain patient and allow extra time to reach their destination.  Drivers of passenger vehicles should also change their driving habits around trucks.

“Trucks require a much greater stopping distance; when cars cut in front of a truck and then swiftly apply the brakes, it can cause considerable problems for the truck driver to stop his larger and heavier vehicle in time to avoid a collision.

“Car drivers should also keep in mind that when travelling behind a large truck their presence may not be noticed by the truck driver as they won’t be able to sight them in the mirrors. A simple rule to remember is that if the driver of a trailing vehicle can’t see the truck’s mirror, the truck driver will not be able to see them.

“Sharing the road with trucks requires commonsense, some additional care and a little courtesy – this will go a long way to ensuring greater safety on our roads in the coming weeks.”