Awhile ago, went to a bit of a shindig with a lot of motorhome, caravan and campervan people who were mainly, "weekend wanderers". When I mentioned that I had spent many years as an interstate truck, tour and express coach driver, I was verbally "jumped on" as, "One of them inconsiderate road bullies". Instead of "arcing up", I took some time to explain the simple procedure of using, which most vehicles were fitted with, a two way radio. If the reader is new to these radios, this might help. For starters, most trucks and express coaches are in a hurry, and really dislike tourists who tend to wander along the highways. Assuming that you have a forty channel UHF, and listening on channel forty, which is the transport channel, you will hear these blokes swearing, and comparing, police, management "road hog" and traffic problems. So, you the traveller are on, say, the Stuart Highway, Alice Springs to Darwin. You are, naturally, keeping an eye on your mirrors. You see a heavy transport coming up behind you. Now, all you have to say is, "Northbound transport, do you copy on the campervan, caravan (wobbley) up ahead !?" At this point, the driver should confirm. Then you advise, "Let me know when you are about to pass. I'll hold my speed, and flash my lights when it's OK to come back in!" (This is especially important with roadtrains) If it is coming towards you, advise the driver he has all the road, and you could slow and pull to the left ? The above is just a guide, and not gospel. It is important to hold the microphone at right angles to your mouth, so you talk across the mike, and not into it. The transport industry in general do not appreciate travellers chatting to each other on CH 40. If you are travelling with others, it's OK to stay on CH 40, but when needing to talk to the others, advise, "Fred, go CH (whatever) have a yarn, and then if need be return to CH 40. PLEASE don't ever hold the mike open, and put it next to the music you are listening to. If you do, you may "block out" an important emergency message. Regards Pipes
-- Edited by pipes on Monday 14th of March 2011 10:45:13 PM
-- Edited by pipes on Monday 14th of March 2011 10:46:07 PM
Firefly said
10:48 PM Mar 14, 2011
Some great advice there Pipes, thanks heaps for taking the time to post it.
Ma said
12:35 AM Mar 15, 2011
Good advice Pipes.
When I was driving trucks I vowed and declared that I would NEVER be one of those "wobblies". Changed my tune didn't I.
At least I try my best not to be a hinderance to any of the trucks on the road, as I am sure most of our fellow nomads do.
Helena said
07:13 AM Mar 15, 2011
always have used the two way radio and always alerted the truckies, after all they are working we are on holiday always found the truckies very good on the road and they have always acknowledged us as they have passed. It all boils down to common sense and politeness on the road. Helena.
ChiChi1 said
07:41 AM Mar 15, 2011
Well i,m sorry but I've just about had trucks. At present I drive a car. at the speed limit. For 40 years used only to travel at night. Long trips Adelaide to Albury. It just got too dangerous. Have restricted my travelling to daytime only now. Trucks on bum all but pushing me along. Intimidation etc. The trip I did to Sydney last weekend same thing during day.
Could have got wiped out a couple of times. Particularly by one truck that was a car transport that passed me. (I was set on cruise control at 110kms in left lane) Rear Ramp was down and angled to left nearly collecting me. Don't think I'm a Mr McGoo and so far have not had an accident. They don't own the road and we ordinary drivers are entitled to be on it.
Antique Pete said
08:34 AM Mar 15, 2011
This is just a question, we know it is an offence to use a hand held mobile phone while driving, is it the same using a radio mike?
If not why the difference?
ozi2 said
08:41 AM Mar 15, 2011
G'day Pipes and thank you for your post. The more informed we are in the use of 2way CB radio's the safer we can make it for everyone on the road. I note Chi Chi's post and yes, this behaviour happens all too often with some of the cowboys, but the ultimate factor here is road safety and how to assist each other.
If members check out the following link I think it will give a clear understanding of the issues faced by heavy haulage drivers.
I normally call up the truck who is passing on channel 40 and have had little trouble. I just let them pass when safe. The only trouble I have had was with a b double who threw up a stone which cracked my winscreen. When called he said I was going too slow and if I would stop he would punch my lights out.I said no worries , I ,ll stop at the next service station(Mt Molloy) and we will talk to the cops. Heard no more after that, strange , eh.I later learned that he had come from Melbourne , straight thru, and was full of no doze pills.There are cowboys on both sides, and a little communication goes a long way.
Gerty Dancer said
09:16 AM Mar 15, 2011
This has been discussed before, but I reckon it almost needs to be a "Sticky" because its so important. Thank you Pipes.
Yes Chi Chi I can relate to your Hume Highway experience in a little car... very intimidating. We forget the truckies have all kinds of pressure to be at their destination at a time that means they have to break the speed limit constantly. Outback, they are in the same hurry, but I've only ever struck courteous driving. Maybe its just the main inter-city highways, thats a good reason to stay off them IMHO.
Ma said
09:42 AM Mar 15, 2011
ozi2 wrote:
G'day Pipes and thank you for your post. The more informed we are in the use of 2way CB radio's the safer we can make it for everyone on the road. I note Chi Chi's post and yes, this behaviour happens all too often with some of the cowboys, but the ultimate factor here is road safety and how to assist each other.
If members check out the following link I think it will give a clear understanding of the issues faced by heavy haulage drivers.
This should be mandatory reading for all nomads. A good majority of it is common sense but let's face it when confronted with one of these great monsters (well that's how they look in the rear view mirror) common sense sometimes goes out the window.
The few truckies that do the wrong thing give ALL of them a bad reputation.
I have been one myself and have and still have affilliates within the transport industry and believe me they have just as many horror stories about "wobblies" and car drivers as we have about them.
Nobody owns the road exclusively and when we learn to share our highways and byways with a common sense approach we would all be better off.
blaze said
09:43 AM Mar 15, 2011
I think a truckie's demeener changes the closer they get to cities, away from towns they seem more relaxed and as the traffic builds so does there stress levels, as does mine
cheers
blaze
Ma said
09:48 AM Mar 15, 2011
You're on the money there Oz. The city streets and roads were made for the horse and cart (inner city that is) and certainly they don't lend themselves to trucks of any kind and in some instances it's even difficult for cars to navigate them.
The stress levels for truckies DOES increase as you said and one of the biggest factors IMHO is because they have to have eyes in the back of their heads to see what the car in the left lane, the right lane, in front of and behind them is doing.
I think there are more "cowboys" in cars in the city than there are cowboy truckies in the city.
My hat goes off to some of these truckies that get their rigs down these narrow city streets to deliver our basic requirements.
Like it is often said, take the trucks off the road and Australia dies.
-- Edited by Ma on Tuesday 15th of March 2011 11:38:09 AM
Beth54 said
11:34 AM Mar 15, 2011
Thanks very much for that info Pipes. I'll be passing it on to my grey nomad contacts.
ChiChi1 said
11:48 AM Mar 15, 2011
Get the trucks off the road and bring back trains!
thommo said
01:18 PM Mar 15, 2011
ChiChi1 wrote:
Get the trucks off the road and bring back trains!
Now come on! You are joking of course!
Aside from that.
As a fully WA accredititated pilot driver, I wish as many as possible would read the link Ma put up. I am encosing the section regarding oversize loads, I really can't add to it, except to say that if you are coming up and wanting to overtake an oversize load with a rear pilot, watch the pilot for signals, (hand or turning indicators), and when he indicates to overtake, do it immediately even though it may not look safe. Remember they are equipped with 2 ways and realise you wish to pass.
Oversize Pilot / Escort vehicles approaching When you see a Pilot / Escort car approaching towards you, there are a number of factors you should consider when deciding what to do. First and foremost slow down to give you more time to react to the situation.
Scenario 1: If the Pilot / Escort vehicle only has the amber roof light flashing, headlights on and displaying an "OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD" sign, this will mean the load is between 3.5 m and 4.5 m wide. If the road is wide there is no need to stop, but slow down to about half your speed and keep well left.
Scenario 2: If the Pilot / Escort vehicle approaching has the amber roof light flashing, headlights on and displaying an "OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD" sign as well as white Wig Wag lights operating, this will mean the load will be between 4.5 m and 5.5 m wide and depending on road conditions prepare to stop completely moving once again as far left as possible.
Scenario 3: If all of the above indicators are visible and the Pilot / Escort is also accompanied by one or two Police Escorts, you MUST STOP. Pull right off the road taking care not to park in cuttings or obscuring road signs. After the load has passed, check to make sure a second load is not following and pull safely back onto the roadway.
Coming up behind an oversized load without a Pilot / Escort vehicle
If you need to pass an oversized load without a Pilot / Escort vehicle (loads under 3.5m do not require a Pilot unless unless overlength)use your UHF on Channel 40 and let the driver know you are behind him. He will call you around when safe. Overtake quickly but safely and thank him when the job is done. If there is a Pilot vehicle behind the load he will be in communication with the lead Pilot vehicle and when it is safe to do so, he will wave you around to overtake. Always wait until the direction is given. In some States it is illegal to not comply with the directions of an Authorised Accredited Pilot driver and you can be fined and lose points of your licence.
Ma said
01:46 PM Mar 15, 2011
ChiChi1 wrote:
Get the trucks off the road and bring back trains!
and how are the products supposed to get from the trains to their point of destination AND how fresh is your fresh vegies and fruit going to be by the time they get there.
They are almost past their use by date when they get to the supermarkets as it is.
Not to mention meat and all produce requiring a refridgeration unit.
jules47 said
03:47 PM Mar 15, 2011
Thanks for all that info - I have just done my first solo trip from SE Qld to NE Vic and back - about 3300 k - and can only comment that I found all trucks to be not intimidating at all - I set my speed at about 95k (which felt right for me) - kept my eye on the rear mirrors, listened to my radio, not that most of the trucks said anything, but a couple did - I held my speed when they were passing, stayed in my lane, and let them get on with their job. I got some good laughs listenening to some of the conversations, and I would recommend anyone with a sensitivity to swearing not to tune in - some of their descriptions - hilarious - duck towing grey wobbly - presumably me as I was waiting to get on highway from parking area - two trucks passing by -
If we want courtesy from the drivers, we need to give them courtesy - as someone said, we are on holidays - they are working. I wouldn't like to be doing 8000k every week, week after week, but this is common I believe.
Ma said
04:11 PM Mar 15, 2011
Yes Jules, a little courtesy goes a long way. It's like a smile, free to give and gratefully received.
Cruising Granny said
09:52 PM Mar 15, 2011
"TRUCKS CARRY THIS COUNTRY".
I have the utmost respect for our truck drivers. They have the pressure of getting the freight to the destination on schedule. Owner-drivers have the big worry of running the truck, paying the bills, finding the work and keeping the family happy at home - when he gets a little chance to be there.
There are cowboys out there, and they are dangerous, not only to us but to themselves. I think they are a minority.
I'm finding some of the city trucking boys are the worst as far as road and radio manners goes.
When I see a large grill coming up behind I call them, advise my average speed, and that I'll call them around when it's clear.
For road trains, doubles and triples I also let them know when they're past and can pull back into the left lane.
I get happy comments every time. I get the "thank you" blinkers, even a chat at the next roadhouse.
We the wobbies have to respect them and the rig they are operating on some of the country's less than friendly highways.
Driving my car and van is big enough for me. It's a very small indication of what these boys and girls have to manage, all day, every day.
Then they have to watch for weighbridges, cops, and mandatory rest breaks.
Each state puts more and more rules into the trucky's manual.
Show a truckie respect and you'll get respect. Do you want to argue with 40 wheels carrying 130 tonnes at 100KPH?
Ma said
10:49 PM Mar 15, 2011
You go girl !!
lilly31 said
11:12 PM Mar 15, 2011
As have truckie as partner in former life ..i seen first hand the pressure on them to get form A to B with a load of goods ...I myself have done many trips in this truck and yes once out on open road they do relax more ...I stress driveing in city with a normal size car .. it ten time harder trying to get trucks in to some of the small streett or trying to get throught a set of light when they only stay on green for 2 min ... but once out on open road they can talk to their mates talk to their mate on the radio ..catch up on thing .when pull up have coffee chat and get back to the job at hand.....Yes there are a few coyboys out there but most truckies are decent hardworking men and women just doing their job the best they can just like all of us ........ It like all things a few bad apple give the whole tree a bad name .... and may i say car driver are not all goody two shoe either some are just plain idiots on the road ........
jules47 said
08:57 PM Mar 16, 2011
Yep I know some truckies - brother was one, son is one -a nd have friends who drive trucks - they do a great job - need all the thanks and respect we can give them, they only get mad when people do stupid things I reckon, like pulling up, or over or making sudden moves in front of them - can you imagine how long it takes to actually bring a huge double b to a full stop????????
Loffty said
09:39 PM Mar 16, 2011
G'day Pete. In answer to your Q. C.B./U.H.F. is classified a mounted unit. Phone is classified a hand held unit. The latter being illegal. Go Figure hey.
Cruising Granny said
11:30 PM Mar 16, 2011
The thing about radio is you can hear the message before you pick up the microphone to press the button to answer. Sometimes you don't even have to answer. I don't use a hand-held.
Everything is short and sweet, and to the point. (Unless you're in Adelaide and have to listen to a crackpot tormenting the truckies taking up valuable air space).
With the phone there is more information being exchanged, even if it's a hands-free, you have to really listen to the content of the call, and think about the response, while juggling gears, blinkers, brakes, steering wheels, other instruments and the traffic.
Then there's texting while driving. If ever there was a brainless suicidal/murderous activity while driving, that's the one. It's their victim and the family which suffers.
milo said
01:11 AM Mar 17, 2011
before dad got the motor home , i didnt think much about truckies etc
but since driving something just as big as some trucks (ie the tardis)
you tend to think about it more and give the truckies some more respect..
Antique Pete said
08:56 AM Mar 17, 2011
Thanks for the answer Lofty, and I agree with Gruising Granny, I spend a lot of time on the road and the amount of young people texting [mostly women] and a lot of them P plate drivers doing 100 to 110kph it is very scary sharing the road with them
That's where the trouble starts. We're careful, driving as carefully was we know how according to the conditions and we get taken out by a texting novice behind the wheel operating a motor vehicle. They are NOT drivers!
howdrink said
09:45 AM Mar 20, 2011
i agree with all post's one use of uhf and trucks ( apart from the one about keeping trucks off the road) its just like any kind of driving with or without van on the back its called comon sence uhf are a great thing let you talk to trucks and caravaners letting them know what you are going to do and letting others that its safe to pass, or seeing the flassing light of a pilot vechile of a wide load ask how wide is the load so you know what to do. As for trucks yes there is some cowboys still out there but i have found there is not that many of them, but i will say that there is more CAR drivers that are outright Cowboys or Cowgirls that think it is there right to pull in 3 feet off your bummper when they have overtaking, or they have this thing that they think they drive safer with a mobile phone in one hand a coffee in other and trying to brush they hair while looking in the rear view mirror while putting on make up and changing the song on there Ipod and they think they are good driver's. I would rather have a truck driver on the road passing me any day
So, you the traveller are on, say, the Stuart Highway, Alice Springs to Darwin. You are, naturally, keeping an eye on your mirrors. You see a heavy transport coming up behind you. Now, all you have to say is, "Northbound transport, do you copy on the campervan, caravan (wobbley) up ahead !?" At this point, the driver should confirm. Then you advise, "Let me know when you are about to pass. I'll hold my speed, and flash my lights when it's OK to come back in!" (This is especially important with roadtrains) If it is coming towards you, advise the driver he has all the road, and you could slow and pull to the left ? The above is just a guide, and not gospel. It is important to hold the microphone at right angles to your mouth, so you talk across the mike, and not into it. The transport industry in general do not appreciate travellers chatting to each other on CH 40.
If you are travelling with others, it's OK to stay on CH 40, but when needing to talk to the others, advise, "Fred, go CH (whatever) have a yarn, and then if need be return to CH 40. PLEASE don't ever hold the mike open, and put it next to the music you are listening to. If you do, you may "block out" an important emergency message. Regards Pipes
-- Edited by pipes on Monday 14th of March 2011 10:45:13 PM
-- Edited by pipes on Monday 14th of March 2011 10:46:07 PM
When I was driving trucks I vowed and declared that I would NEVER be one of those "wobblies". Changed my tune didn't I.
At least I try my best not to be a hinderance to any of the trucks on the road, as I am sure most of our fellow nomads do.
If members check out the following link I think it will give a clear understanding of the issues faced by heavy haulage drivers.
www.lets-getaway.com/trucksandrvcourtesy.htm
cheers,
ozi2
The few truckies that do the wrong thing give ALL of them a bad reputation.
I have been one myself and have and still have affilliates within the transport industry and believe me they have just as many horror stories about "wobblies" and car drivers as we have about them.
Nobody owns the road exclusively and when we learn to share our highways and byways with a common sense approach we would all be better off.
The stress levels for truckies DOES increase as you said and one of the biggest factors IMHO is because they have to have eyes in the back of their heads to see what the car in the left lane, the right lane, in front of and behind them is doing.
I think there are more "cowboys" in cars in the city than there are cowboy truckies in the city.
My hat goes off to some of these truckies that get their rigs down these narrow city streets to deliver our basic requirements.
Like it is often said, take the trucks off the road and Australia dies.
-- Edited by Ma on Tuesday 15th of March 2011 11:38:09 AM
Aside from that.
As a fully WA accredititated pilot driver, I wish as many as possible would read the link Ma put up. I am encosing the section regarding oversize loads, I really can't add to it, except to say that if you are coming up and wanting to overtake an oversize load with a rear pilot, watch the pilot for signals, (hand or turning indicators), and when he indicates to overtake, do it immediately even though it may not look safe. Remember they are equipped with 2 ways and realise you wish to pass.
Oversize Pilot / Escort vehicles approaching
When you see a Pilot / Escort car approaching towards you, there are a number of factors you should consider when deciding what to do. First and foremost slow down to give you more time to react to the situation.
Scenario 1: If the Pilot / Escort vehicle only has the amber roof light flashing, headlights on and displaying an "OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD" sign, this will mean the load is between 3.5 m and 4.5 m wide. If the road is wide there is no need to stop, but slow down to about half your speed and keep well left.
Scenario 2: If the Pilot / Escort vehicle approaching has the amber roof light flashing, headlights on and displaying an "OVERSIZE LOAD AHEAD" sign as well as white Wig Wag lights operating, this will mean the load will be between 4.5 m and 5.5 m wide and depending on road conditions prepare to stop completely moving once again as far left as possible.
Scenario 3: If all of the above indicators are visible and the Pilot / Escort is also accompanied by one or two Police Escorts, you MUST STOP. Pull right off the road taking care not to park in cuttings or obscuring road signs. After the load has passed, check to make sure a second load is not following and pull safely back onto the roadway.
Coming up behind an oversized load without a Pilot / Escort vehicle
If you need to pass an oversized load without a Pilot / Escort vehicle (loads under 3.5m do not require a Pilot unless unless overlength)use your UHF on Channel 40 and let the driver know you are behind him. He will call you around when safe. Overtake quickly but safely and thank him when the job is done. If there is a Pilot vehicle behind the load he will be in communication with the lead Pilot vehicle and when it is safe to do so, he will wave you around to overtake. Always wait until the direction is given. In some States it is illegal to not comply with the directions of an Authorised Accredited Pilot driver and you can be fined and lose points of your licence.
They are almost past their use by date when they get to the supermarkets as it is.
Not to mention meat and all produce requiring a refridgeration unit.
You go girl !!
In answer to your Q.
C.B./U.H.F. is classified a mounted unit.
Phone is classified a hand held unit.
The latter being illegal. Go Figure hey.
This is worth revisiting.