This month, SGI has teamed up with the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) for its monthly traffic safety blitz. During August police will focus on commercial drivers to ensure they are following the rules of the road to keep all road users safe.
The consequences of a collision with large trucks can, of course be severe.
“Even though operators of large commercial vehicles aren’t at fault for the majority of the collisions they’re involved in, their sheer size and weight can cause massive destruction,” said Earl Cameron, vice president of the Auto Fund. “It’s important that commercial drivers are alert and ensure their vehicles meet all safety requirements.”
SGI offers the following advice to commercial drivers to enhance road safety: Complete proper pre- and post-trip inspections; ensure vehicles are within the allowed height and weight limits; signal well in advance when planning to turn or change lanes; hang up, buckle up and be alert to the actions of oncoming drivers; pull over when feeling tired and; review the Professional Driver’s Handbook to keep up with new laws and to refresh your memory on the responsibilities of a professional driver.
“It’s not only important for commercial drivers to take precautions,” said Al Rosseker, executive director of STA. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility - other drivers also need to know the safety implications associated with larger vehicles, and how to share the road safely with them.”
SGI also has advice for other road users.
“Large commercial vehicles require more room and time to complete manoeuvres,” a press release stated. “Common collisions involving commercial vehicles include rear-end crashes, right-turn crashes involving vehicles on the same road, left-turn crashes involving an opposing vehicle on the same road, and sideswipe crashes. Keep these tips in mind when sharing the road with large trucks.”
SGI statistics indicate that 19 per cent of traffic fatalities in Saskatchewan involve a large commercial vehicle, even though they account for less than five per cent of the vehicles on the road.
In 78 per cent of fatal crashes involving a large truck, the actions of the driver of the other vehicle was the major factor contributing to the collision.
Results from July’s spotlight on work zones will be available later in August.
