26 | News
O
ne of Australia’s largest freight and
logistics companies has launched a
new campaign to educate RVers about
road trains. The move comes as thousands of
southerners hitch up their caravans for their
annual sojourn to the northern states in search
of winter sunshine.WA-based Centurion said a recent company
survey revealed that more than 80 percent of
drivers had witnessed or experienced a close
call between a road train and caravan in the
past two years, while 20 percent said they had
experienced more than 2. The company is now
distributing 2500 free guides to regional service
stations and caravan parks to help educate
about safe driving near heavy vehicles.Here are Centurion’s top tips to help motorists
and RVers when passing a road train.When overtaking a road train:
Step One: Keep your lights on so you can be
clearly seen, especially in dusty or
overcast conditions.Step Two: Be patient. Passing a road train can
take as long as 60 seconds. Make
sure you have maximum visibility
and nothing is coming in the other
direction.Step Three: Position your vehicle so you can
see any oncoming traffic and so
the road train driver can see you.Step Four: If you want to pass, keep your
right hand blinker on to let the
truckie know.Step Five: Use your UHF radio to call through
on Channel 40. Identify the truck
and the direction and ask if it is
clear to pass.Step Six: When it’s clear accelerate at a safe
and consistent speed and pass.Step Seven: Be aware of your speed
when you’ve completed your
overtaking manoeuvre. Road
trains need plenty of room to
come to a stop.ROAD TRAIN EDUCATION