It and dozens of companies around the country used the week to spread a message of driver safety.

A Roadmaster representative said that common accidents were caused by cars trying to overtake turning trucks, cars overtaking trucks when approaching traffic lights and then coming to an immediate stop a short distance in front of trucks.

``Motorists should know that long heavy trucks require a greater amount of room to turn and a substantial length of roadway to come to a complete stop,'' he said.

Riverstone MP John Aquilina, who attended a Roadmaster open day, said he had spoken with several truck drivers of their frustrations.

``Unfortunatel y whenever a truck is involved in an incident, it inevitably causes serious injury or death,'' he said.

``Each day nine trips start from Riverstone Roadmaster 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.

``Roadmaster employs around 220 personnel and is one of the four major refrigerated truck freight companies in Australia.''

Australian Trucking Association chairman, Trevor Martyn, said the week was a great opportunity for the industry to show politicians and the community how important trucking was to Australia.

``The trucking industry carries three quarters of Australia's domestic freight, including every item on the shelves of every supermarket,'' Mr Martyn said.