Local truck driver Rod Hannifey will travel to the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada to learn about their trucking industry at the end of July.
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Mr Hannifey said he would look at truck and road safety overseas to see what they do differently while educating them about what is done in Australia and seeing if there is anything that could be done locally to make the road safer for all drivers.
“I plan to visit the CONVOY in the Park at Donington in the UK and have now made contact and been offered a small stand, then visit a big company there, the Road Haulage Assoc, then go on to Canada and the US.
“I have been following the road transport industry in the USA for many years, as they are the closest to us in many ways that I have seen. The aim of going to the UK, is to see a different side with the far more congested roads etc.
“I will also look at the issue of parking and whether they have an issue with caravaners etc, as it has been getting a lot of press here of late,” Mr Hannifey said.
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“Both the UK and US have problems with truck parking and rest areas which are issues we have here. I hope to look and see what they have achieved and if anything can be applied here.
He said he chose to study the American trucking industry because they had the most similar system to Australia.
“During accidents involving trucks and cars, they’ve found about 70 per cent of car drivers to be at fault, and they have better roads than us and better education but still have issues.
“I aim to do a blog at www.truckright.blog each day of the trip and this will be my log as well, will do some filming for Truck That Australia and even a story for Owner Driver,” Mr Hannifey said.
Mr Hannifey said the biggest issue facing Australian truck drivers was “educating and training people about sharing the road with trucks.”
“We don’t do that now, not much, if at all. The American truck industry is better respected and understood by the public.”
Mr Hannifey was awarded the prestigious Churchill Fellowship in 2016 which sponsored the trip. The Rod Pilon Transport driver was one of just 106 people across Australia to get the prestigious award in 2016.
He said the fellowship gives Aussies the chance to go overseas for research. Mr Hannifey said his overall goal was to improve road safety and conditions for all drivers.
