Don’t #uck! With A Truck gets results

As many in the industry would be aware, the NHVR launched a young driver road safety campaign - Don’t #uck! With A Truck – this year.

The intentionally provocative campaign (we're sure it's supposed to say 'Don't Muck With A Truck') is designed to grab the attention of young light-vehicle drivers and educate them on the rules to follow when trucks are turning or stopping, as well as how to overtake a truck.

The NHVR says it is grateful for the continued support from the heavy vehicle industry for the campaign. “While out and about chatting to drivers, we are often asked how the idea came about and why the focus on young drivers who are not in the heavy vehicle industry,” the NHVR said in a press statement.

“[We] conducted interviews with young drivers aged between 16 and 25 which revealed an alarmingly low level of education, understanding, awareness or knowledge on how to share the road safely with trucks.

“For example, less than half of the respondents surveyed (45%) knew to keep one lane either side of a truck free when it is turning. Young drivers are also at a higher risk of being impacted by a road accident resulting in injury or death involving a heavy vehicle.”

The results and road trauma statistics painted a grim picture, and it became clear that more education to our youngest drivers was critical in not only keeping them safe on our roads, but everyone else.

During development of the campaign, further research revealed humour with direct messaging in an engaging and relevant way was the best approach to reach and connect with young people across multiple platforms.

Don’t #uck! With A Truck uses a lighter tone to reach and engage with Learner (L) and Provisional (P) licence holders on how to stay safe around trucks.

For more information on the campaign click here.