“I was delighted during TruckWeek 2010 to visit the complex operations of Roadmaster Australia Pty Limited which has its National Headquarters at Riverstone” the Hon John Aquilina MP, Member for Riverstone and Leader of the House, said recently.
Roadmaster Australia Pty Limited has more than 100 Prime Movers with outlets in Townsville, Brisbane, Coffs Harbour, Melbourne, Eyre and Adelaide. Each day nine trips start from Riverstone to major outlets around Australia, often completing the journey in a four-day loop. As well as the trucks leaving, an equal number of trucks are arriving to take on new loads.
“During my visit to the Roadmaster plant I was surprised to learn of the vast amount of activity which is undertaken by the trucking industry”, Mr Aquilina said.
“Few people would be aware that more than 75% of all freight activity in Australia is undertaken by trucks, including every item transported in every supermarket.
“Roadmaster currently employs around 220 personnel and is one of the four major refrigerated truck freight companies in Australia. Not only does the trucking industry provide major employment, but it is also an important instrument in advancing our economy,” Mr Aquilina said.
During TruckWeek 2010 truck operators have been particularly keen to send out a message to the wider community about the need to be aware of safety while around trucks.
“In my discussions with several truck drivers, many expressed their frustrations at the behaviour of other motorists who often do foolish things, or are simply not aware of the need to be extra cautious around trucks”, Mr Aquilina said.
Instances which were cited included cars overtaking trucks while the trucks are making right or left hand turns, as well as cars overtaking trucks on approaching traffic lights and coming to an immediate stop a short distance in front of trucks.
These are dangerous activities because motorists should be aware that long, heavy trucks require a greater amount of room in order to turn. Additionally, they need a substantial length of roadway in order to come to a complete stop.
Despite what may be common notions otherwise, when one takes into account the huge volume of freight that is transported by trucks, the number of traffic incidents involving trucks is extremely low.
Unfortunately, however, whenever a truck is involved in an incident, it is inevitably one of major concern, often involving serious injury or death.
“Having heard media stories previously about horrific incidents involving trucks, I was pleased to be able to talk to these truck drivers and to have them express their concerns, as well as their anxieties, on a face-to-face basis”, Mr Aquilina said.
TruckWeek 2010 is an important time for all of us to reflect upon the need to be extra careful around trucks and also to recognise the substantial impact which the truck industry has upon our economy.
The Hon. John Aquilina MP checks out one of Roadmaster’s trucks at its Riverstone depot.