Five Road Rules Often Misunderstood by Truck Drivers
Some safety rules have been updated, while others are forgotten due to bad driving habits and common misconceptions. Refresh your knowledge on the rules most often misunderstood.
Truck-related accidents in Australia have significantly dropped in the past decade, mainly owing to improvements in performance and road infrastructure.
Still, these accidents continue to take around 200 lives annually in recent years.
Truckers could improve the statistic in a relatively straightforward way, however. If drivers familiarise themselves with the road traffic safety rules, they could significantly diminish the problem.
There are certain road safety rules that are commonly misunderstood, even by the most experienced truckers. That’s why in this article, we’ll go over the driving rules that most often get disregarded.
Rule #1. Roundabouts
Many drivers, including truckers, think that only vehicles to their right have the advantage. But this thinking leads to dangerous situations where drivers go through a roundabout without paying attention to vehicles to their left.
One of the fundamental traffic rules at roundabout is that you must give way to every vehicle already in it. So trams close to or entering the roundabout will also have the advantage.
The confusion comes from a frequent case where most vehicles in the roundabout are on your right. This practice has led drivers to believe that only the right side matters.
Yet in smaller roundabouts, vehicles might already be in, coming from your left. These situations can quickly become dangerous if the trucker doesn’t give way. Strictly following the traffic rules at roundabout will prevent accidents in most cases.
Finally, bear in mind that you should indicate your direction when exiting a roundabout the same as you would at an intersection.
Rule #2. Turning at an Intersection
Turning at intersections can present a challenge depending on the truck’s length and traffic conditions. Since trucks need more space for every manoeuvre, you must first ensure there’s enough space around the vehicle before starting the turn.
When it comes to making left turns, trucks might need to make a wide swing to complete it. And there are two things to consider here:
- It would be best if you positioned the truck so that no vehicle can pass from the left.
- The truck’s position should give you the best possible view of the road.
You’ll avoid the back wheels hitting the kerb if you start the turn further in the intersection.
Also, fundamental driving rules state that if pedestrians are crossing the road you’re entering, you must give way to them before turning. This rule was introduced several years ago, so it can’t be considered new or unknown.
Rule #3. Mobile Phones
Traffic safety rules mostly prohibit the handling of mobile phones while driving. This means drivers can’t use their phone for any of the following:
- Texting and emailing
- Sending audio or video messages
- Browsing the web or social media
- Taking photos
Additionally, you can’t hold the phone in your hand, on your lap, or pressed on the ear by your shoulder.
Naturally, these are driving rules and they don’t apply if the truck’s parked. But if you’re stuck in traffic or waiting at a traffic light, the prohibitions remain.
According to road safety rules, there are circumstances where you can use the phone, namely when making audio calls or using a navigational tool. But holding the phone for these functions is still not allowed.
Instead, you must make sure that your phone’s secured in a fixed mount so that it doesn’t obscure your view of the road. You’ll also need to set the phone up so that you can operate it without touching. The easiest way to do so is to use voice commands or Bluetooth.
Rule #4. School Zones
School zones have a set speed limit of 40km/h, and it is valid during school days and specified hours. And it’s important to note that the speed limit applies even on student-free days if they fall on a school day.
The exact time when the school zone’s valid is displayed on the traffic sign, and it’s from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm in most cases. The non-standard zones are marked by special red and orange signs.
All school zones are marked and visible due to signs, markings, and flashing lights.
Those not following traffic rules in a school zone will be subject to increased fines and double demerit periods. The traffic safety rules include those related to mobile phone use, speeding, and other fundamental driving rules.
Rule #5. Passing a Stationary Tram
When approaching a stationary tram, it’s common practice to stop and wait for passengers to get on and off safely. But what if there are no passengers near the tram?
What specific road traffic safety rules apply depends on whether the tram’s in a safety zone or not. If it is, you should steer to the left of the zone and pass the tram at a safe speed, with attention to any pedestrians attempting to cross the road.
But if the tram isn’t in a safety zone, stopping is mandatory. Only once the tram doors are closed and no pedestrians are in sight can you drive past while maintaining a low speed.
Keeping the Roads Safe for Everyone
Not every situation on the road will depend entirely on the truck driver. But adhering to the safety rules can only contribute to all traffic participants’ safety.
With the improvements in infrastructure and many companies paying particular attention to truckers’ conduct in traffic, not following traffic rules shouldn’t be tolerated at all.
A quality truck can be of great help to a driver when it comes to respecting the rules. After all, what good is a thorough knowledge of the safety rules if the machine won’t listen?