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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched the newest phase of its Don’t #uck With A Truck campaign, inviting young drivers to learn about heavy vehicle safety at a two-day event on the Gold Coast.
With a reflective mini truck on display alongside an educational game and giveaways, the campaign is targeting an important cohort in Learner (L) and Provisional (P) licence holders.
NHVR Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Michelle Tayler said the regulator was committed to igniting meaningful conversations about road safety in the community.
“With close to 800 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles in the past five years, we must continue finding ways to put a necessary spotlight on road safety,” Ms Tayler said.
“Don’t #uck With A Truck is an opportunity for the NHVR to engage directly with Gen Z, which is critical to helping those drivers who are still developing their skillset understand how to interact with trucks on the road.
“Unfortunately, our pre-campaign research showed almost a third (27%) of young drivers admitted to experiencing a close call with a heavy vehicle within the past month.
“Don’t #uck With A Truck is about reiterating simple driving tips – like not following trucks too closely, overtaking turning vehicles and cutting in front without leaving enough space – to ensure a single mistake doesn’t have catastrophic outcomes.”
Pre-campaign research also revealed more than half (51%) of young road users had driven in a heavy vehicle’s blind spot for an extended period of time.
Ms Tayler said by launching the campaign with a reflective, ‘mirror’ style mini truck and educational game, the NHVR was focused on attracting a younger audience.
“This event is teaching young drivers that if you aren't in a truck’s reflection, you don't exist to the driver,” she said.
“While Don’t #uck With A Truck is a chance for us to share this information in a fun and engaging setting, we’re still centering a serious message: being safe on the road matters.
“Launching the latest phase of the campaign allows us to invite the community to join in on these key conversations about road safety.”
With the two-day event coinciding with the start of school holidays, attendees can enjoy a free coffee, matcha or donut while learning about the value of visibility and having respect for heavy vehicles.
Popular Gold Coast influencers and twins Lucy and Lily Cohen, who feature in the latest campaign videos, said they were proud to attend and help promote safer roads.
“Participating in an opportunity like this is important, because everyone can play a role in helping others get home safely,” they said.
“Even though driving around heavy vehicles can be daunting, there are simple things all young people can do to improve their driving – such as being careful not to sit in a truck’s blind spot.
“Driving is a necessary part of life but if we can use our platform to teach others to have more patience around other vehicles, then we are happy to get involved.”
The latest phase of the campaign is being broadcast across the NHVR’s social channels, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
Don’t #uck WithA Truck has successfully educated young drivers since it launched in 2022, with last year’s campaign videos attracting more than 12 million views.
The new phase of the campaign will feature a mix of content targeted towards driving anxiety and overconfidence in young drivers.
To watch the latest campaign videos, visit www.dontmuckwithatruck.com.au