REGINA – Even though commercial vehicles make up less than five per cent of vehicles on Saskatchewan roads, on average 19 per cent of all traffic fatalities involve a large commercial vehicle.
“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, the vice-president of the auto fund with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).
In 78 per cent of fatal crashes involving a large truck, it was the action taken by the driver of the other vehicle that was a major contributing factor to the collision.
With that in mind, SGI is teaming up with the Ministry of Highways and the Saskatchewan Trucking Association for a traffic safety blitz.
During the month of August, traffic enforcement will focus on commercial drivers to ensure they are following the rules of the road to keep all drivers and their passengers safe.
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They are also striving to create awareness that all motorists need to share the road safely.
“It’s not only important for commercial drivers to take precautions,” said Al Rosseker, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility – other drivers also need to know the safety implications association with larger vehicles, and how to share the road with them.”
Common collisions involving commercial vehicles including rear-enders, right-turn crashes with vehicles travelling in the same direction, left-turn crashes involving an oncoming vehicle and sideswipes.
The partners have a number of tips for sharing the road with large commercial vehicles:
- they take longer to start and stop – increase following distance and never cut too close in front of them;
- they take wider turns, especially when turning right, so watch for signal lights as they usually have to steer into a second lane to make the turn;
- they have bigger blind spots, making it difficult to see smaller vehicles, so avoid spending too much time in the ‘no zone’ – the areas directly in front of, behind and beside them; and
- be patient, drivers want to get to their destination just has much as everyone else.
They also have tips for commercial drivers:
- complete pre- and post-trip inspections;
- ensure the vehicle is within 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 other drivers;
- pull over when feeling tired; and
- drivers who have been on the road for many years should review the professional driver’s handbook to keep up with new laws and refresh memories on the responsibilities of a professional driver.
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