Territorians can now check their vehicle registration status, access fuel prices and even road condition reports, thanks to AANT’s new mobile app.
Development of the AANT app was based on the needs of members, from providing a digital version of their member card and receiving real-time notifications about member discounts, to functions such as checking or updating membership and insurance details.
AANT CEO Anthony Hill said “AANT recognised the need to improve the value of our product offering to members; to entice new members and retain current members. One of those shifts is the need to enable customers to transact and engage more efficiently.”
“It became necessary to be digitally mobile, which we noted will not only provide cost efficiencies to our business, but benefits to both us and our members in streamlining core processes such as membership renewals and administration of member benefits.”
“It also raises awareness of our rewards and member benefits programs, such as saving 6c per litre at United Fuel without needing a physical membership card, and connects users to related AANT advocacy topics like fuel prices and road safety” Mr Hill said, adding that all Territorians can access the app even if they are not a member.
AANT’s mobile app came to life through the Northern Territory government’s Business Innovation Program that helps businesses develop and commercialise innovative concepts.
AANT’s app launch event included special guests the Hon. Ngaree Ah Kit MLA, Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, and Mr Martin Reilly, Senior Policy Advisor.
Local Digital Agency, Captovate, is AANT’s digital partner and developed the AANT app, creating a design and navigation that ensures a great user experience.
Available to download today
The new AANT app for Android is available for download from the Google Play store, while the iOS version for Apple devices is available from the App Store. For more information, visit www.aant.com.au/aant-app
There are about 7500 trucks registered in the Northern Territory so far this year, according to figures from Road Safety NT. On top of this, 4606 semi-trailers and converter dollies are currently on our roads. Knowing how to share the road with heavy vehicles is important. This edition, we highlight tips to travelling together.
Overtaking a truck
On a single-lane road, make sure the road ahead is clear for a sufficient distance before moving onto the other side of the road. If your car’s travelling at 110km/h, it’ll take about 2km to safely overtake a 26m B-double travelling at 100km/h.
Don’t put the pedal to the floor either – it’s illegal to break the speed limit when passing another vehicle.
Once the road is clear, check your mirrors, signal your intention to pass and then overtake. Look out for dips or bends ahead that may be obscuring oncoming traffic, and don’t be pressured by other drivers to overtake.
Once you’ve passed the truck, make sure you’re a safe distance ahead before returning to the lane.
The dangers of overtaking a turning truck
You’ve probably noticed that heavy vehicles, like trucks, have a yellow and red sign on the trailer that says, ‘Do not overtake turning vehicle’.
Heavy vehicles need extra space when turning and are allowed to take up more than one lane to turn at corners, intersections, and roundabouts. Don’t overtake trucks displaying these signs if they’re indicating to turn left or right – it could put you in danger.
You also need to look out for large trucks navigating multi-lane roundabouts. Some long vehicles will stay in the left lane of a roundabout even though they’re making a right turn because they may encroach into the adjacent lane due to their size.
Blind spots
The average sedan has two blind spots – one on either side of the car – but a truck has four that motorists need to consider when sharing the road with heavy vehicles. You’ll find one either side of the cabin, one directly behind the truck, and another in front of the bonnet.
While driving near a truck, it’s important to remember that when you can’t see the side mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you.
To counteract this, truck drivers are trained to check their mirrors every eight seconds, so they’re constantly aware of nearby traffic. However, that doesn’t mean they can see all the cars that are approaching them.
On busy roads, it can be more difficult for truck drivers to notice motorists entering their blind spots, so pay extra attention and keep an eye out.
Trucks take longer to stop
A truck travelling at 60km/h takes 10m longer to stop than a car moving at the same speed. At 100km/h, the truck will take 30m longer.
To avoid disaster, you need to make sure you give the truck enough room to brake when changing lanes. If you can’t do it safely, remain patient and wait.
