School's in for Safety Truck

Australian Trucking Association take safety message to the masses

The ATA's travelling road safety exhibition, the Safety Truck, has been heading back to schools this month to bring road safety messages to students in outer Brisbane and the public in Taree.

The Safety Truck this week visited Redbank Plains State High School, and then at the Mt Cotton Primary School.

The Safety Truck will then be open to the public at the Taree Volunteer Rescue Association Weekend on Wheels at the Jack Neal Oval, Taree on Sunday May 29.

The Chief Executive Officer of the ATA, Chris Melham, said road safety was an essential message for people to learn at any age.

"We know that many young L and P plate drivers have trouble the first time they need to overtake a heavy vehicle, or may unknowingly cause a dangerous situation on the road if they cut in front of a truck," Mr Melham said.

"By taking these students through the Safety Truck while they are still learning, they receive essential safety tips to help them out on the road before these situations arise.

"For younger students, the Safety Truck is often the first truck they’ve really seen up close. It’s a great gateway for them to start learning about different types of transport, and an engaging way to explain important safety tips for their age group.

"These tips include making sure the truck driver has seen you before walking around or in front of a truck, as well as making students aware of the potential danger of texting or playing with a smart phone while walking next to the road.

"It’s always a privilege to take the Safety Truck to school, and we’d like to thank Redbank Plains State High School and Mt Cotton Primary School for inviting us to come and share our road safety message.

"The trucking industry’s safety outcomes are improving dramatically – we know the rate of fatal crashes involving articulated trucks has fallen by 80 per cent
since 1982. We hope the ongoing work of the Safety Truck will help see that number continue to fall," Melham concluded.

The Safety Truck travels around Australia visiting festivals, shows and other community events. For more information or to request a Safety Truck visit, go to: www.safetytruck.com.au.

School's in for Safety Truck

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