“Truck Safety Awareness A Holiday Must” MP Says

Peter Brown MP is taking a ride on Saturday, 7 December for safe driving over the holiday season as part of Road Transport Forum New Zealand’s Truck Safety Awareness Drive.

“Christmas-New Year is traditionally a high-risk time to be on the roads. It’s vital we all take every step possible to reduce the number of accidents over this period. The truck safety awareness message is an important part of making the roads safer for everyone,” said Mr Brown.

“Holidaying motorists need to remember that many heavy vehicle operators will still be working while most of us are taking a break. Modern trucks have greatly improved handling and stopping power, but they are not cars. They are not as agile and they take longer to stop. Motorists should allow for this as part of their holiday driving, especially when passing.

“To promote the Christmas safety message I am riding with TD Haulage Ltd. on Saturday, 7 December. I expect seeing the road from the cab of a truck will give me a totally different perspective, but the message is the same for all road users: the road toll has been reducing but we all have to be extra alert over the holiday period. All the indicators are that driver behaviour from all road users is improving. We want to keep it that way.

“Consideration to other drivers will be one of the keys to a low holiday period road toll. I know the Forum is urging truck drivers to take greater care than usual. If other motorists show the same courtesy then we are all more likely to have a safe, as well as enjoyable, Christmas-New Year break,” concluded Mr Brown.

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