Look out, trucks about
Be Truck Aware highlights the importance of taking extra care around trucks, especially if you live, work or travel in Sydney.
With increased construction work across Greater Metropolitan Sydney, there will be more trucks on our roads and changed traffic conditions.
Everyone has a part to play in staying safe on our roads – so whether you’re walking, cycling, riding or driving – always Be Truck Aware.
Trucks have blind spots
Trucks have blind spots and sometimes they might not be able to see you. Take extra care when walking, riding and driving around trucks – can they see you?
Our video shows how difficult it is for people who have never driven a truck before to respond to the challenges that truck drivers face every day. Truck drivers are looking out for you, so you should look out for them – it’s a shared responsibility. Read a transcript.
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 (unloaded) travelling at only 40km/h can take up to 35 metres to stop. If the same truck is travelling at 60km/h, the stopping distance almost doubles to 67 metres.
In comparison, a car (unloaded) travelling at 40km/h takes about 27 metres to stop and about 47 metres when travelling at 60km/h.
Pedestrians
Watch our video to Be Truck Aware and stay safe on the roads. Read a transcript.
When walking around Sydney you need to be aware that more trucks are on our roads.
Whether you’re familiar with the route or visiting a new area, follow these tips to help you stay safe:
- Take extra care around trucks and remember trucks 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.
Cyclists
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 you safe around trucks:
- Trucks have blind spots and may not see you. Take extra care.
- Make eye contact with truck drivers, especially at intersections, so you know they have seen you.
- Don’t overtake a truck when it is turning. Trucks need extra space when turning and may take up more than one lane.
- Do not 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 and may not see you. Take extra care.
- 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 is turning. Trucks are likely to need extra space and may take up more than one lane.
- Always follow the road rules and ride with care.