Truck drivers are calling on all road users to show patience and courtesy as part of this year’s Road Safety Week campaign, highlighting the crucial role everyone plays in keeping roads safe.
The theme for 2025 is Be a Road Safety Hero, and Transporting New Zealand is sharing advice to help motorists, cyclists, and truck drivers contribute to a safer driving environment.
“The roads are truckie’s workplaces, and they want them to be as safe as they can be for everyone,” Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih says.
“A bit of patience and courtesy go a huge way to making sure everyone has a good trip.”
Kalasih says everyone – from those behind the wheels of big rigs to cyclists and private motorists – can help make the roads safer. Transporting New Zealand is encouraging all road users to take on the role of a “road safety hero” by following some key tips when driving near heavy vehicles.
Four top safety tips for sharing the road with trucks:
Leave the gap
Don’t pull in front of a truck just because there’s a space. Truck drivers like a decent space in front because they take about twice the distance to stop than a car does.
Make yourself seen
Trucks have blindspots. If you can’t see their wing mirrors, they can’t see you. And if it’s wet, put on your car lights so you stand out behind the spray that gets kicked up. Cyclists can help by wearing some fluro. There are a few riders who think dressing in black like a ninja at night is a good idea. It’s really not.
It’s SH1, not F1
Trucks legally can only do 90 km/h. If you want to pass, give yourself plenty of space if you’re using a passing lane. You might have 40 metres to pass so make sure there is plenty of space for you and anybody else who plans on getting through by the time the passing lane ends.
Here’s an example of what not to do, taken on a road outside Rotorua: https://bit.ly/Far_too_tight
Tired? Pull over
Feeling sleepy? Find a safe place to pull over and have a micro-rest. The AA says a 15–20 minute power nap provides the brain with the best pick-me-up. Some water and a banana are always handy for keeping energised.
More information on Road Safety Week is available at www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz.
