‘Share the road safely this Easter’

With more families hitting the road for Easter celebrations, staying safe on busy highways is essential.

Big trucks are a common sight, and knowing how to share the road with them can prevent accidents and ensure a smooth journey, advised Pieter Vermeulen, CEO of Crossroads Distribution, a transport, logistics, and supply chain services group operating domestically and regionally.

According to Pieter, South Africa’s alarmingly high road fatality rate makes it crucial for other road users to be aware of safety issues surrounding freight trucks.

“South Africa’s road fatality rate is among the highest in the world with approximately 11 000 people losing their lives annually. Large trucks are involved in a significant portion of these accidents. According to a report by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), trucks accounted for 18.8% of road fatalities.

“By following the below simple tips, you can share the road safely with big trucks and make your Easter travels memorably accident-free.”

He shared several tips:

• Be extra cautious: Easter traffic can be unpredictable. Drive defensively, be aware of your surroundings, and anticipate potential issues from other drivers.

• Mind your blind spots: Large trucks have areas where the driver can’t see you. Avoid lingering next to the left side of the truck, and be cautious near the front and back of the trailer.

• Give trucks space: When trucks turn, they often swing wide to avoid hitting the curb. Leave plenty of room between your car and the trailer.

• Keep your following distance: Tailgating a truck is dangerous. Always maintain a safe following distance so you have time to react if the truck slows down suddenly.

• Signal clearly: Give truck drivers ample warning before changing lanes or turning. Use your turn signals well in advance.

• Pass safely: If you need to pass a truck, do so on the driver’s side only – the other side is their biggest blind spot. Make sure you have a clear view ahead before passing completely.

• Dim your lights: Bright headlights can reflect off a truck’s mirrors and blind the driver. Use your low beams when following or passing a truck in the dark.

• Merge responsibly: Trucks take longer to stop than cars. Never cut off a truck in front of you. Wait until you see the entire front of the cab in your mirror before merging.

• Avoid distractions: Focus on the road! Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or talking on the phone while driving near large trucks.