Road Transport and Road Safety Advocate Rod Hannifey says it was the face of two little children put in harms way that caused him to become dedicated to making a change on our roads.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Hannifey is calling on all motorists to stay vigilant on our roads and to educate themselves about truck safety. He has put together his top-ten truck safety tips to help motorists stay safe when driving.
"There was one day on the road, a car over-took me and there was another B-Double coming the other way. We both went off the road onto the dirt," he said.
"I looked into this car, and there were two little children sitting in the back. I could see them in the backseat.
"You think, why would somebody risk three peoples lives that are in their car, two truck drivers lives, and we'd only just come out of town.
READ ALSO:
"They had miles and miles to go and they had to save two minutes off a trip of 10 hours.
'But people see value in it so they take a silly risk to save a few seconds and half the time you catch them at the next town anyway."
Mr Hannifey said truck drivers make mistakes too, but there are some important factors motorists need to take into consideration.
"I know one truck driver who virtually risked his life to save a family," he said.
"He chose to go off the road and he died and the family survived.
I know one truck driver who virtually risked his life to save a family ... He chose to go off the road and he died and the family survived.
- Road Transport and Road Safety Advocate Rod Hannifey
"Those in the car had decided to do something stupid, they stopped in the middle of traffic for no reason anybody ever found out.
"He died because of that, and how do you make that decision?
"How do you sit there and decide, do I kill myself, or do I run into the car?
"I don't ever want to be in that position and if we can educate people, than less people will have to make that decision."
In Australia a truck drivers license is required, and according to Mr Hannifey "there's a reason we have to learn how to drive trucks."
One piece of advice Mr Hannifey gives to new truck drivers is that, "you have to watch out for everyone else."
"You have to drive for everyone else," he said.
"And you have to recognise that they don't understand trucks."
You can access Mr Hannifey's tips free online at www.truckright.com.au.
Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
