Observation: While driving on the Bruce Highway between Sarina and Rockhampton yesterday, I, together with many other drivers came across a Grey Nomad towing a caravan slowly in a 110kph zone. The truckies were not to happy, going by the CB traffic.
While filling up with fuel in Rocky the driver at the bowser next to me, said "I hope you don't drive as slow as the fellow up the road".
I said when I passed him he was doing 75 kph. The fellow said when he passed him he was doing 70kph and would not pull off to let the traffic pass.I said that he may have been in limp home mode or had some other problem. You have to know the full story.
Keep the wheels turning.
gordon_adl said
04:34 AM Aug 1, 2013
But they still could of pulled over and let people pass.
Dougwe said
04:35 AM Aug 1, 2013
I must have passed you as I heard all that on the UHF myself. No it was not me. Not that I like too but I was sitting on 100 in the 110 zone, normally sit on around 90 in a 100 with the Avan on the back. I always talk to the truckies and slow and move over for them to pass when safe. Always get a thanks mate back.
Radar said
06:29 AM Aug 1, 2013
Good evening
Personally speaking. When I was driving transports up until march (just retired) I didn't mind the ones going along at 80 ks. or what ever slower, they darn site easier to over take,'s it the motorist getting along at 90 to 95 that are a lot more difficult to over take. Slower ones know they going to be rounded up and most times sooner the better.
From my own experience of late, towing my Caravan I love to wander down the road enjoying the day at 80 to 85, I not a high miler with the van about 8000 ks.so far and I have not annoyed any one yet I hope.
As my wife always trys to remind me "the other motorist has as much right to drive along as they like, as you do".
Cruising Granny said
08:33 AM Aug 1, 2013
Your wife is right. We do all have a right to the highway, but we must also exercise courtesy and consideration for other motorists. There are overtaking "3 laners" which give others the chance to get around the slow ones.
It's worse when, if they look, see a big one coming up behind, hit the brakes and then move over. Very dangerous.
It's much easier if the slower bloke holds the same speed until the traffic is out overtaking. Then they can back off to make overtaking quicker. Some of those overtaking lanes aren't really long enough.
Keep it safe folks.
Radar said
09:19 AM Aug 1, 2013
Well said Rosie, I promise you I was not one to use the finger, I only used it to tell people 1 or 2 sugars please.
The worst situation I used to come across and still dis test it ( I don't think that how it spelled) is 2 caravans or transport travelling in a convoy and not taking an opportunities to over take each other, then there not being enough room between 2 slower vehicles to allow you 3rd to slot back in and when you do over take them causing the second one to brake.
This happen to me coming up the Newell Highway Alectown & Trewilga a stretch of 18 ks.. We had been following 2 caravans (they did have radio), small truck when the going was good they were travelling about 95 kph. the speed would wash away most times down to 80s I was not in a hurry being in car was hanging back 500 meters and was relaxed just had 10 days at Ballarat enjoying a break. I was cruising along about 90, a b double rounded me up I did tell him to hook in over the radio so he new I was aware. A few minutes latter our speed wash off the b double could not get around the 2 caravans in the end I rounded the b double back up, spit the caravans up then proceeded when safe chance come rounded up the other van with the b double doing the some. The small truck was not helping, the caravans well I thought they could done better.
I could at the best tell some stories over the years of my travels and adventures while being a truck driver, I now get my giggle up when a truck comes up behind me, I say over the radio to them this is your unluckies day most times they come back "why's that?" I am newly retired truck driver and I have control andI help you get around soon. Most times we end up with some good laughs.
For the most we are family men, love what we do (driver since I was 17 carting bread at first), we think nothing better then going home to our families, I always try think maybe when things happen around me, that was there only mistake for day and move on.
Enjoy your day people, try to help to make other peoples day better in some small way even if they don't know yet.
-- Edited by Radar on Thursday 1st of August 2013 09:44:25 AM
Helena said
02:19 PM Aug 1, 2013
We travel between 80 and 90 in a campervan but always aware of other road users and always pull over if safe to do so and let others pass especially the truckies our motto is their working we are not so let them keep moving . As Cruising Granny says if you can't move out the way just maintain the speed you are travelling at and when the truckie starts to over take and is clear of your back slow down a little and let him go this is what we always do and always get a thank you from the truckies. It boils down to courtesy on the road.
Rip and Rosie said
03:29 PM Aug 1, 2013
Courtesy is two sided- I like to let traffic past, especially professional drivers who drive for a living, and as well as other traffic, but I resent the CB name calling, the finger in the air as they pass, and the sharp cut back in front of me.
Professional drivers mostly seem to take it in their stride, as part of the trip, its the weekend warriors and road ragers who worry me.
There are always occasions when you can't pull over to let traffic past, long stretches with no o'taking lanes etc, but there are also drivers who want to get themselves all worked up over it all.
"Slow" towing is not really a choice, its best for the vehicle and safer all around.
brickies said
04:56 PM Aug 1, 2013
Heading to Home Hill yesterday and there was lots of army conveys heading back to Townsville and was please to going the other way , On our return trip caught up with a group at the road works when they took off in no time I never seen them again till I seen them going into there base they don't mess around on the road
Ontos45 said
08:02 PM Aug 1, 2013
When I'm overtaken by a B double etc I flick my head lights to tell them they are safely past me...usually get a double flick of blinker lights on truck to say thanks. I usualy travel at 90kph which gives a 10kph buffer to overtake me.
Peter
spida said
08:39 PM Aug 1, 2013
Personally speaking. When I was driving transports up until march (just retired) I didn't mind the ones going along at 80 ks. or what ever slower, they darn site easier to over take,'s it the motorist getting along at 90 to 95 that are a lot more difficult to over take. Slower ones know they going to be rounded up and most times sooner the better.
Well said Radar - I so agree. I travel around 80km but am VERY aware of traffic behind me. Also much easier to get out of the way at that speed as soon as the opportunity arises.
Having just come down to Perth via Newman I spent a lot of time getting out of the way of trucks. Wonderful wide road - most of the way so easy to get off - especially on the floodways. Also used the UHF for a change - just so I knew when the extra wide loads were coming and could plan well in advance where to sit and wait. And found out that we are called 'wobblies'
Before getting my GPS I use to tow at what I believed to be about 85-90. After with GPS I found that I was traveling about 10 -14 Ks less.
So soon understood why I was getting the finger.
herbie said
12:42 AM Aug 2, 2013
Hi Spida. just a message to say really enjoy reading your very interesting blog,very informative of your travels
and what a beaut idea, of you to post the price of each caravan park you stay in along the way,it gives people some idea of what to expect to pay. ..Noticed in one of your posts you mention the price had gone to almost double from the year before.
Safe travelling.
Regards Herbie.
mr glassies said
01:01 AM Aug 2, 2013
i just hate the ones that do 80 till they come to a passing lane then speed up its like ya hang back a bit to get a roll up and the mongrel also puts his foot down . yes i drive a truck and i like to do the speed limit or drive to the conditions .
dibs
gordon_adl said
01:42 AM Aug 2, 2013
Yeah I've found a gps a really good idea to check your actual speed. I do suspect a lot of people don't realise just how much a speedo can be out.
tiger5 wrote:
Before getting my GPS I use to tow at what I believed to be about 85-90. After with GPS I found that I was traveling about 10 -14 Ks less.
Keith19837 said
02:35 AM Aug 2, 2013
I understand where you're coming from re slower vehicles. But as mentioned by other posters, there has to be some 'give and take.' At the risk of causing some controversy; here goes.
In Victoria, the posted speed limit means the maximum permissible speed under FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS. Favourable conditions means; dry roads, smooth surface, good forward visibility (including the ability to see side roads and other potential hazards), the road width excluding soft shoulders, no (or very light) traffic, no rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, or overcast conditions, good natural or artificial (street lights) lighting, driver experience and vehicle type etc, etc. Just because the posted speed sign is (for example) 110 k.p.h. this doesn't mean we can drive at this speed UNLESS the conditions are FAVOURABLE. Caravans, trailers, tall narrow vehicles, heavy utes are vehicles that are not really designed for higher end speeds. Vehicle manufacturers have been aware of this for years and design their vehicles for specific purposes and within certain (narrow) speed ranges. A heavier Hi Lux or Isuzu style ute is not designed to corner, take bends or generally handle like a low sports car. Although most vehicles are capable of higher end speeds this doesn't mean they can necessarily be driven so. This is why the offence of "Speed Dangerous" applies in Victoria. Basically, this offence covers not only excessively high speeds but driving at speeds that are dangerous UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. My motorhome is quite capable of 110 k.p.h. but vehicle sway (particularly in moderate to high winds), vehicle height (overhanging branches and low power lines), adverse cambers (on many Aussie roads) make speeds of over 80 k.p.h. unfavourable. Furthermore, both my M/H and my twin cab are incredibly heavy on fuel at any speed over 80 k.p.h. due to their high drag co efficient factor. When towing, a 'tug's' handling characteristics drop to well below those averages factored by vehicle designers. Weight distribution and a range of geometric and other factors will necessitate dropping the usual speeds of a vehicle to compensate for the totally different dynamics of the tug when it's not towing. In Victoria, the law used to be that when towing, a vehicle had to be 10 k.p.h. below the posted limit with a top speed of 90 k.p.h. For some reason this particular law was repealed except for heavy vehicles. Having said all this, there is a law in Victoria which states that a vehicle must not UNDULY impede other roads users. The word UNDULY includes merely 'sightseeing' or 'rubbernecking' or without regard to other road users. Funnily enough, Victorian road law states (in part) that a driver must concentrate. Concentration may be defined as: "the total application of mind and body to a particular endeavour and to the exclusion or everything not related to that endeavour." (Victoria Police Roadcraft and Driving Manual 1976 ed) (London Metropolitan Police Roadcraft and Driving Manual 1965 ed) and various other publications that I won't bore you with. A report released in certain Police publications and featured in the RACV journal, indicated that the average driver had to contend with about 80% of the information from his vehicle and the road as the pilot of a jumbo jet landing at a large international airport. All of us drive a car today without this concentration. We talk to our passengers, we listen to the radio, some of us smoke, eat or drink from a container whilst driving. None of these activities are related to driving (not related to that endeavour). We rely heavily on power assisted steering and brakes, ABS Traction Control, radial tyres and a host of other safety features, the dynamics of which change considerably when towing. The only way to counter this is to adjust our speed and driving style. I find that good professional 'truckies' (whilst they might use a little more road due to their sheer size) keep to their 'station' on the road, keep a pretty good 'watch' and are cognizant of what they're towing and how it affects their vehicle. They give me leeway when I'm driving the M/H or towing 2.5 tonne of boat and I return the courtesy. I also apply this courtesy to those caravaners, M/Homers, Learners and Mums with 5 million kids on board that I see driving with their respective loads. I become very concerned when a towing vehicle or M/Home is driving at 100k.p.h. plus in even the most favourable of conditions.
Whilst a "Plod", I drove many different vehicles at speeds well over 110 k.p.h. under certain circumstances. I had completed a number of courses which ran for many weeks and was also a member of 'off street' racing clubs. Sorry if I upset anyone, but I'm not about to drive a vehicle beyond its and the road's safe capacities.
gordon_adl said
02:56 AM Aug 2, 2013
I don't really care if someone is driving 60, 80 or 110. But if a person is going to drive slow, just be mindful of the traffic they may be holding up behind them and pull over every now to let people pass.
Keith19837 wrote:
I understand where you're coming from re slower vehicles. But as mentioned by other posters, there has to be some 'give and take.' At the risk of causing some controversy; here goes.
Shogun said
06:25 AM Aug 2, 2013
Hi Keith
I enjoyed reading your comments.
Brett24076 :)
ROWDYRABBIT1 said
03:53 PM Aug 2, 2013
I totally agree with your comments or in other words drive to the conditions ,I carry a fair weight and am not the fastest cab off the rank but I don't have too many repairs to my old vehicle and I also don't have too many complaints from truckies ROD
Keith19837 said
04:50 PM Aug 2, 2013
ROWDYRABBIT1 wrote:
I totally agree with your comments or in other words drive to the conditions ,I carry a fair weight and am not the fastest cab off the rank but I don't have too many repairs to my old vehicle and I also don't have too many complaints from truckies ROD
Thanks Rod. Unfortunately I tend to get on my 'high horse' from time and end up with over long posts. Hang on, this is a short post; I must be mellowing in my advancing years.
Keith19837 said
04:51 PM Aug 2, 2013
Shogun wrote:
Hi Keith
I enjoyed reading your comments.
Brett24076 :)
Thanks Brett. I just mentioned to Rod that I tend to 'run off' a bit. I should have been a politician.
Radar said
05:13 PM Aug 2, 2013
Keith good morning,
I certainly I like to be able to write that well. I take it you possibly practiced that lot.
A very good way of putting it.
Pondy said
09:13 PM Aug 2, 2013
That's the go Peter,we do appreciate that as we know it is safe to come back into the lane.
Hello All
Observation: While driving on the Bruce Highway between Sarina and Rockhampton yesterday, I, together with many other drivers came across a Grey Nomad towing a caravan slowly in a 110kph zone. The truckies were not to happy, going by the CB traffic.
While filling up with fuel in Rocky the driver at the bowser next to me, said "I hope you don't drive as slow as the fellow up the road".
I said when I passed him he was doing 75 kph. The fellow said when he passed him he was doing 70kph and would not pull off to let the traffic pass.I said that he may have been in limp home mode or had some other problem. You have to know the full story.
Keep the wheels turning.
Good evening
Personally speaking. When I was driving transports up until march (just retired) I didn't mind the ones going along at 80 ks. or what ever slower, they darn site easier to over take,'s it the motorist getting along at 90 to 95 that are a lot more difficult to over take. Slower ones know they going to be rounded up and most times sooner the better.
From my own experience of late, towing my Caravan I love to wander down the road enjoying the day at 80 to 85, I not a high miler with the van about 8000 ks.so far and I have not annoyed any one yet I hope.
As my wife always trys to remind me "the other motorist has as much right to drive along as they like, as you do".
It's worse when, if they look, see a big one coming up behind, hit the brakes and then move over. Very dangerous.
It's much easier if the slower bloke holds the same speed until the traffic is out overtaking. Then they can back off to make overtaking quicker. Some of those overtaking lanes aren't really long enough.
Keep it safe folks.
Well said Rosie, I promise you I was not one to use the finger, I only used it to tell people 1 or 2 sugars please.
The worst situation I used to come across and still dis test it ( I don't think that how it spelled) is 2 caravans or transport travelling in a convoy and not taking an opportunities to over take each other, then there not being enough room between 2 slower vehicles to allow you 3rd to slot back in and when you do over take them causing the second one to brake.
This happen to me coming up the Newell Highway Alectown & Trewilga a stretch of 18 ks.. We had been following 2 caravans (they did have radio), small truck when the going was good they were travelling about 95 kph. the speed would wash away most times down to 80s I was not in a hurry being in car was hanging back 500 meters and was relaxed just had 10 days at Ballarat enjoying a break. I was cruising along about 90, a b double rounded me up I did tell him to hook in over the radio so he new I was aware. A few minutes latter our speed wash off the b double could not get around the 2 caravans in the end I rounded the b double back up, spit the caravans up then proceeded when safe chance come rounded up the other van with the b double doing the some. The small truck was not helping, the caravans well I thought they could done better.
I could at the best tell some stories over the years of my travels and adventures while being a truck driver, I now get my giggle up when a truck comes up behind me, I say over the radio to them this is your unluckies day most times they come back "why's that?" I am newly retired truck driver and I have control andI help you get around soon. Most times we end up with some good laughs.
For the most we are family men, love what we do (driver since I was 17 carting bread at first), we think nothing better then going home to our families, I always try think maybe when things happen around me, that was there only mistake for day and move on.
Enjoy your day people, try to help to make other peoples day better in some small way even if they don't know yet.
-- Edited by Radar on Thursday 1st of August 2013 09:44:25 AM
Professional drivers mostly seem to take it in their stride, as part of the trip, its the weekend warriors and road ragers who worry me.
There are always occasions when you can't pull over to let traffic past, long stretches with no o'taking lanes etc, but there are also drivers who want to get themselves all worked up over it all.
"Slow" towing is not really a choice, its best for the vehicle and safer all around.
Peter
Personally speaking. When I was driving transports up until march (just retired) I didn't mind the ones going along at 80 ks. or what ever slower, they darn site easier to over take,'s it the motorist getting along at 90 to 95 that are a lot more difficult to over take. Slower ones know they going to be rounded up and most times sooner the better.
Well said Radar - I so agree. I travel around 80km but am VERY aware of traffic behind me. Also much easier to get out of the way at that speed as soon as the opportunity arises.
Having just come down to Perth via Newman I spent a lot of time getting out of the way of trucks. Wonderful wide road - most of the way so easy to get off - especially on the floodways. Also used the UHF for a change - just so I knew when the extra wide loads were coming and could plan well in advance where to sit and wait. And found out that we are called 'wobblies'
So soon understood why I was getting the finger.
Hi Spida. just a message to say really enjoy reading your very interesting blog,very informative of your travels
and what a beaut idea, of you to post the price of each caravan park you stay in along the way,it gives people some idea of what to expect to pay. ..Noticed in one of your posts you mention the price had gone to almost double from the year before.
Safe travelling.
Regards Herbie.
dibs
I understand where you're coming from re slower vehicles. But as mentioned by other posters, there has to be some 'give and take.' At the risk of causing some controversy; here goes.
In Victoria, the posted speed limit means the maximum permissible speed under FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS. Favourable conditions means; dry roads, smooth surface, good forward visibility (including the ability to see side roads and other potential hazards), the road width excluding soft shoulders, no (or very light) traffic, no rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, or overcast conditions, good natural or artificial (street lights) lighting, driver experience and vehicle type etc, etc. Just because the posted speed sign is (for example) 110 k.p.h. this doesn't mean we can drive at this speed UNLESS the conditions are FAVOURABLE. Caravans, trailers, tall narrow vehicles, heavy utes are vehicles that are not really designed for higher end speeds. Vehicle manufacturers have been aware of this for years and design their vehicles for specific purposes and within certain (narrow) speed ranges. A heavier Hi Lux or Isuzu style ute is not designed to corner, take bends or generally handle like a low sports car. Although most vehicles are capable of higher end speeds this doesn't mean they can necessarily be driven so. This is why the offence of "Speed Dangerous" applies in Victoria. Basically, this offence covers not only excessively high speeds but driving at speeds that are dangerous UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. My motorhome is quite capable of 110 k.p.h. but vehicle sway (particularly in moderate to high winds), vehicle height (overhanging branches and low power lines), adverse cambers (on many Aussie roads) make speeds of over 80 k.p.h. unfavourable. Furthermore, both my M/H and my twin cab are incredibly heavy on fuel at any speed over 80 k.p.h. due to their high drag co efficient factor. When towing, a 'tug's' handling characteristics drop to well below those averages factored by vehicle designers. Weight distribution and a range of geometric and other factors will necessitate dropping the usual speeds of a vehicle to compensate for the totally different dynamics of the tug when it's not towing. In Victoria, the law used to be that when towing, a vehicle had to be 10 k.p.h. below the posted limit with a top speed of 90 k.p.h. For some reason this particular law was repealed except for heavy vehicles. Having said all this, there is a law in Victoria which states that a vehicle must not UNDULY impede other roads users. The word UNDULY includes merely 'sightseeing' or 'rubbernecking' or without regard to other road users. Funnily enough, Victorian road law states (in part) that a driver must concentrate. Concentration may be defined as: "the total application of mind and body to a particular endeavour and to the exclusion or everything not related to that endeavour." (Victoria Police Roadcraft and Driving Manual 1976 ed) (London Metropolitan Police Roadcraft and Driving Manual 1965 ed) and various other publications that I won't bore you with. A report released in certain Police publications and featured in the RACV journal, indicated that the average driver had to contend with about 80% of the information from his vehicle and the road as the pilot of a jumbo jet landing at a large international airport. All of us drive a car today without this concentration. We talk to our passengers, we listen to the radio, some of us smoke, eat or drink from a container whilst driving. None of these activities are related to driving (not related to that endeavour). We rely heavily on power assisted steering and brakes, ABS Traction Control, radial tyres and a host of other safety features, the dynamics of which change considerably when towing. The only way to counter this is to adjust our speed and driving style. I find that good professional 'truckies' (whilst they might use a little more road due to their sheer size) keep to their 'station' on the road, keep a pretty good 'watch' and are cognizant of what they're towing and how it affects their vehicle. They give me leeway when I'm driving the M/H or towing 2.5 tonne of boat and I return the courtesy. I also apply this courtesy to those caravaners, M/Homers, Learners and Mums with 5 million kids on board that I see driving with their respective loads. I become very concerned when a towing vehicle or M/Home is driving at 100k.p.h. plus in even the most favourable of conditions.
Whilst a "Plod", I drove many different vehicles at speeds well over 110 k.p.h. under certain circumstances. I had completed a number of courses which ran for many weeks and was also a member of 'off street' racing clubs. Sorry if I upset anyone, but I'm not about to drive a vehicle beyond its and the road's safe capacities.
I enjoyed reading your comments.
Brett24076 :)
I totally agree with your comments or in other words drive to the conditions ,I carry a fair weight and am not the fastest cab off the rank but I don't have too many repairs to my old vehicle and I also don't have too many complaints from truckies ROD
Thanks Rod. Unfortunately I tend to get on my 'high horse' from time and end up with over long posts. Hang on, this is a short post; I must be mellowing in my advancing years.
Thanks Brett. I just mentioned to Rod that I tend to 'run off' a bit. I should have been a politician.
Keith good morning,
I certainly I like to be able to write that well. I take it you possibly practiced that lot.
A very good way of putting it.
That's the go Peter,we do appreciate that as we know it is safe to come back into the lane.
Cheers Ronnie