The NTA team headed to Timaru, bringing the Road Safety Truck initiative to the heart of South Canterbury’s educational institutions
 |
|
The Road Safety Truck, with a hydraulic trailer, was set up as a mobile classroom
|
In collaboration with the Timaru District Council, the New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) engaged with high schools and primary schools to spread the crucial message of truck safety.
The event saw the participation of leading transport companies, such as Hilton Haulage, Temuka Transport, and South Canterbury Fire and Emergency New Zealand teams, marking it as a prime opportunity to showcase their educational engagement programmes.
 |
|
The event saw the participation of leading transport companies
|
The programme attracted a diverse audience, including students from Opihi College, Timaru Boys High, Timaru Girls High, Mountainview High School, Barton Rural School, Te Aitarakihi Marae, alongside council staff and members of the general public.
Hosted at the Levels Motor Raceway, the event was not just about learning; it also offered a hands-on experience for the children. After participating in NTA’s educational programme, they had the thrilling opportunity to ride around the racetrack in a truck.
 |
|
A hands-on experience to learn more about the transport industry
|
The experience was not only eye-opening, providing insights into the hazards truck drivers face, but it also served as an exciting introduction to the myriad of career opportunities within the trucking and transport industries.
The focus was on teaching the importance of safely sharing the road with trucks, understanding the critical blind spots from a truck driver’s perspective, and learning how to pass a truck safely.
 |
|
The focus was on teaching the importance of safely sharing the road with trucks
|
The Road Safety Truck, with a hydraulic trailer that expands out to an 80sqm of space, was set up as a mobile classroom. Inside, it houses large monitor screens, touchscreen tablets, and adjustable truck driver seats with virtual reality headsets.
First set up six years ago, it’s run by the New Zealand Trucking Association and the generous support of sponsors and partners.
 |
|
The truck houses large monitor screens, touchscreen tablets, and adjustable truck driver seats with virtual reality headsets
|
The mobile learning space travels all over New Zealand educating groups from primary schools, secondary schools, training institutes, and transport operators about heavy transport, road safety, and well-being.
To date, some 40,000 people have been through the Road Safety Truck, gaining insight into the transport industry and learning about safely interacting with trucks.
Find new and used heavy machinery for sale in NZ
Photography: David Boyce, CEO, NZ Trucking Association