Truckers call for patience on roads

Logging truck drivers are asking other road users to give them some space and be patient during the summer holidays.
Log Transport Safety Council chairman, Rotorua's Warwick Wilshier, said professional logging truck drivers understood other road users could become frustrated while waiting to pass them but frustration could cause accidents.
"The forest industry is going gangbusters and many of the plantations being logged are in hill country near popular holiday destinations. The roads are often narrow and winding with few places to overtake," Mr Wilshier said.
"Our drivers are professionals. They will pull over where they can to let traffic through. But safety is their first priority, as it must be for all drivers on the road."
He said if a truck pulled off the road in the wrong place drivers ran the risk of getting bogged down or worse still, rolling over if the road margin collapsed. "Motorists need to be patient and respect the trucker's decision as to where it's safe to pull over. Many motorists also need to take more care before deciding to overtake," he said.
"Overtaking is the most dangerous thing we do when driving because it means putting ourselves in the path of oncoming vehicles. So you should do it only when there is plenty of time and clear road to complete the manoeuvre safely.
"Our drivers are trained to be extremely vigilant and they need to be. Time and again they have to take evasive action because of the ridiculous things motorists do in order to reach their destination a minute or two earlier."
He said giving trucks space was also important. "Forty-four tonnes of laden lorry also needs more distance to stop than a 1-tonne car. So don't cut in front of them after passing, especially if there is a compulsory stop ahead."
Mr Wilshier said nearly all log truckers have a prominent 0800 LOG TRUCK placard on the back of their vehicles. This meant they were committed to road safety and professionalism.
"If you feel a trucker has been particularly courteous or helpful, ring the 0800 number and record your thanks. On the other hand, if you see evidence of dangerous driving or other unsafe practices, let us know about that too. All messages get back to drivers and their employers."
Forest Owners Association transport spokesman Brian Pritchard said the industry was aware that many motorists fear logging trucks more than other heavy vehicles. But, he said, those fears were unfounded.
"Rollovers involving log trucks have dropped from 6.5 for every 5 million kilometres travelled in 1998 to less than 1 today. Log trucks are now as safe, or safer, than other classes of heavy vehicle."
He said logging trucks had every right to be on the roads.
"Over the holidays, if you get stuck behind a log truck on a winding road, use the time to reflect on the fact that many of your Christmas presents and holiday toys were probably bought with overseas funds generated in part by logs like the ones on the truck in front of you," Mr Pritchard said.