Welcome to Coast to Coast 100

June 11, 2008

Lyndal, I love your website!  I’m not a truck driver  …..  I’m an elderly woman who drives up and down the F3 once or twice a week. 

I used to get very annoyed at huge semi trailer drivers and their aggressiveness.  Since I’ve been reading the comments on your website,  I have become more aware of the problems the truck drivers have and I’ve become more courteous when driving. 

Perhaps the Dept of Main Roads could have an advertising campaign on radio, TV, film and roadsigns on driving with good manners and thoughtfulness.  Most drivers drive courteously although the worst are tradesmen in their utes racing to get home between 3:30 and 4:00 pm. Some of them take terrible risks.
Regards DH

In our early days, a clear majority of those working within the trucking industry believed the COASTTOCOAST100 campaign to be nothing more than a witch hunt.  Almost 6 months down the track, a greater awareness of the needs of other road users continues to develop between truck drivers and motorists.  Sadly however, many – regardless of what they drive - still have a long way to go before they can be classed as responsible drivers.

We are now most fortunate to receive regular comment from a pool of experienced heavy vehicle drivers who take time out of their busy driving schedules to share their wealth of knowledge and road experience with us.  Joining them are members of various emergency services – police and ambulance.  I take my hat of to these wonderful men whose input has had an immeasurable impact on fostering greater levels of tolerance and understanding on our roads.

Still  ..  we have a long way to go.  Road safety behavior in Australia leaves a lot to be desired.  The poverty of understanding with regard to road courtesy and tolerance - as we all can attest to – often defies belief.  The leading cause of road crashes is driver error, not road conditions, not mechanical failure – DRIVER ERROR.  Road safety comes down to the individual regardless of WHAT they drive.

Whilst we “fight it out” on the roads, whilst we continue to align ourselves with different user groups – truckies, motorists, caravaners, bikers and whilst we continue to blame other user groups, the carnage will continue.  We ALL have a responsibility as Australians to ensure the safety of ourselves and others whilst driving on our roads. 

Following the road rules and being a safe driver are two entirely different matters.

At this point in time, the facts are that in too many instances, our road infrastructure is substandard, unable to handle the ever increasing volumes of traffic.  As our population increases we see - along the eastern seaboard for example - a greater need for goods and services which manifests itself in an ever increasing freight task along the highway. 

This is compounded by the fact that 25% of our population is over 55 - hence the enormous increase in grey nomads touring around towing caravans.  Combine the fact that a majority of Australians live and work along the east coast and the rest just want to come visit for a holiday.  If one could take in all this activity from space, images of an enormous ant’s nest come to mind.

February 2008 marks the release of the 1st COASTTOCOAST100 Heavy Vehicle Driver Behaviour report  - a report that provides a snapshot of heavy vehicle driver behavior on Australian roads in the 6 month period July 2007 to December 2007.  It is hoped that the information in this report will provide readers with an insight into what goes on “out there.”

It is also hoped the data will assist in the development of strategies designed to educate, improve driver attitude and enhance awareness and co-operation between road users with a view to reducing the both the incidence of crashes and the freight related road toll.  All reports are alleged.  Some have been substantiated others not.  The report will be available on this website Monday February 25. 

I put to you now the challenge of looking out for the safety others - for the safety of people you have NEVER met - whilst driving on the roads.  If you’re on the road and you see a reckless driver, phone the police.  Don’t leave it to someone else – you may save a life by taking the time to make a call.  Always ask for an EVENT number which means the Police MUST make a report of the incident.

In Australia during the 12 months to the end of June 2007 there were 228 deaths from crashes involving heavy rigid and articulated trucks.  Queensland Transport figures show that on average four people every week have died in crashes involving heavy vehicles so far in 2008.  The figures show that 23 of the 32 people to have died on the state’s roads in the first six weeks of 2008 did so in a crash involving a heavy vehicle.  Many of these were the truck drivers themselves.  Clearly there is a need to on-going, extensive driver training across the board.

Until this becomes a reality, let’s ALL drive to ensure a decrease in the number of road crashes and fatalities on our roads.  Let’s give our emergency services - SES, Ambulance, Police, Accident Investigation Units, Accident and Emergency staff and Firemen a break .  All road users have the right to reach their destination safely  ……  It’s up to you.

Lyndal Denny