Agricultural
1 November, 2025
Motorists urged to be 'truck aware' on regional roads this harvest season
Motorists travelling through the state’s west in coming months have been reminded to be “truck aware” and remain safe as they share the road with increased heavy vehicle movements this harvest season.
The return of the summer harvest season means increased activity on many rural and regional roads as an increased number of heavy vehicles including trucks and farm machinery travel between farms and grain receival sites.
To raise greater awareness of road safety during this harvest season the Be Truck Aware campaign will be promoted across the region by radio announcements and social media posts, as well as variable messaging signs (VMS) along key routes, reminding drivers to take extra care behind the wheel, to wear their seatbelt and to manage fatigue levels.
This important road safety initiative is supported by Transport for NSW, GrainCorp, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and state farming networks.
Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said harvest was an extremely busy time for rural communities but also a time when safety and patience had to be key priorities for all road users.
“All motorists need to be aware that harvest season brings an increase in large and slow-moving vehicles and farm machinery on our roads, and it is every driver’s responsibility to act safely around them,” Ms Davies said.
“Because of their size and length, trucks have larger blinds spots than the average car which means the truck driver might not be able to see you.
“For the sake of everyone in your car – and other road users – always exercise extreme caution when driving next to or behind a truck and be patient if you find yourself travelling behind a slow-moving truck or farm machinery.
“Don’t take unnecessary risks to overtake just for the sake of saving a few minutes.
“The reality is, 85 per cent of fatal crashes on country roads involve a country resident. We all have a part to play in keeping each other safe.”
Farmers and heavy vehicle operators are also being reminded to keep safe during this busy time of their year.
“Harvest is often a time where operators need to work around the weather to meet deadlines to get grain to silos, which can also mean long days operating heavy machinery or driving a truck,” Ms Davies said.
“Managing fatigue during harvest season is critical to the safety of all road users.
“Studies have shown that being awake for 17 hours has a similar effect on your performance and reaction time behind the wheel as a blood alcohol content of 0.05, so we ask all drivers to ensure you are well rested before starting your journey and allow plenty of travel time.”
The harvest campaign also aims to raise awareness of increased rail movements across the region.
“The Slow Down. Look And Listen For Trains campaign continues targeting drivers who regularly navigate regional level crossings, including heavy vehicle drivers, residents of regional communities and those who frequently travel through regional NSW,” Ms Davies said.
“Crashes at level crossings can be catastrophic and the impacts devastating for families and local communities, so we’re reminding everyone of the need to be safe every time.”
Variable message signage (VMS) has been installed at key level crossings across the region to enhance safety and awareness during this time, including:
Maxwell Street and Warne Street in Wellington
Bylong Valley Way in Bylong
Saleyards Road in Trangie
Barrier Highway in Nyngan
Bullus Drive in Moree
Muller Street in Dubbo
Old Cemetery Road in Narrabri
These VMS boards deliver real-time safety messages to drivers, reminding them to slow down, stay alert, and give heavy vehicles the space they need, especially near rail crossings where visibility and reaction time are critical.
