Two people have died in a campervan car-caravan head-on crash on the Stuart Higway
kiwijims said
11:34 AM Jul 23, 2016
TWO people died when a campervan and a car towing a caravan crashed head-on on the Stuart Highway.
The accident occurred just after 1.30pm on the Stuart Highway, 5km north of the Barrow Creek roadhouse.
Police confirmed two people had died and two others had suffered serious injuries.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service flew to the scene.
An RFDS spokeswoman said an emergency retrieval specialist from the Alice Springs Hospital had been on the RFDS aircraft.
It is understood that there have been two fatalities in the accident and that two other passengers were (initially) trapped inside the vehicle, she said.
Senior Sergeant Garry Smith said the Stuart Highway had been re-opened
-- Edited by kiwijims on Saturday 23rd of July 2016 11:41:15 AM
Vince said
01:56 PM Jul 23, 2016
Not long opened to unlimited speed in that section
rockylizard said
02:10 PM Jul 23, 2016
Gday...
If one reads the article it would appear to have nothing to do with an 'unlimited speed limit'
Why introduce unconfirmed. ill-informed, misleading information ? ? ?
Cheers - John
Happywanderer said
04:08 PM Jul 23, 2016
This is very sad. I feel for the families of these people.
Aus-Kiwi said
04:16 PM Jul 23, 2016
Sad . I figure tiredness and Inattention to driving . Not too many cars up that way . Came through there Thursday . Seen evidence of accidents off road . More so between Broom and Darwin .. Sleep people ! Take it easy !!
Bruce and Bev said
04:25 PM Jul 23, 2016
sad.......when they were out enjoying their lives having no doubt worked hard for most of their life.
Although we don't know (and possibly will never know) what caused the vehicle to veer off the road and then jack-knife, AK is so right about sleep and stopping for regular 5 or 10 minutes walk and leg stretching (or a cuppa). I have spoken with so many nomads in their 60s and 70s who rush along - miss our beautiful country - for up to 8 or 10 hours non-stop driving. They would probably get more R&R if they simply stayed at home.
We met a couple at Salmon Gums on their way home to Perth. They have driven in a period of 4 weeks from home to Melbourne, then up to Sydney to see family, then on to northern QLD to see more family. Both were retired and he said he was the only one to drive, he had to speed the entire trip and they were on the road between 8-12 hours a day, only stopping for a brief lunch in their van. They had a new Sahara and new 24ft van - so presumably not short of money. Why didn't they just fly to see their family?
Vince said
05:22 PM Jul 23, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
If one reads the article it would appear to have nothing to do with an 'unlimited speed limit'
Why introduce unconfirmed. ill-informed, misleading information ? ? ?
Cheers - John
I was not implying anything in what I posted just putting up that that is in the new section of unlimited speed zone.
kiwijims said
05:41 PM Jul 23, 2016
I can relate to the fact that inattention can be a killer, When we did our trip around the Block, I gave the Missis a turn behind the wheel, we were travelling through the Northern Territory at the time, now if you think it's flat and straight on the Nullarbor, you haven't been up North of W.A.
Any way, I had nodded off and everything seemed to be O.K. I don't know what woke me but I happened to glance at the Speedo, the Missis seemed quiet comfortable sitting there staring out into space, she never realised that through inattention the speed had been creeping up and the old Patrol with our very old Classic Caravan in tow, were rocketing along at more than 140 kph
After giving the Missis a bollocking and getting her to lift her heavy foot, She reduced speed down to something like 95-100 kph , Next thing a new 4x4 towing a 25' van shot past us like there was no tomorrow, by the time we got to a small rise in the highway, this Clown was out of sight over the Horizon, he must have been getting small change out of 200 kph.
There's no wonder accidents happen, it took the Missis some time to calm down, after saying to her, just think what would happen if a tyre blew a that speed, her only reply was, But the Nissan was going great, "Yer" that's the trouble with the old Girl, the Diesel motor gets to a certain rev and doesn't seem to change it's tone as the speed increases.
End of story.... We got home safe in the end, !!!
K.J.
Mike196 said
06:22 PM Jul 23, 2016
KJ wrote, The Diesel motor gets to a certain rev and doesn't seem to change it's tone as the speed increases.
Hasn't changed with the new stuff, my Colorado (Izusu engine) does exactly the same thing! Have to be careful in suburban driving, even more so than highway.
Regards,
Mike
macka17 said
08:30 PM Jul 23, 2016
If you do a lot of distance driving nowadays, and not used to it Ex truckie etc.
People should buy an On Screeen Display.
It puts your speed IN YOUR FACE. and probably has limits Warnings, ability too.
Car drivers are used to Petrol engines.
They drive all their lives with foot down as the petrol input relates to speed output, Much more than diesels do.
With a diesel. Take off with a little throttle, then when speed eases, if you want more. give a little more.
Also back off a little when you reach the speed you want.
My D.Max never goes much more than 1\4 throttle for anything. Normally around 1\2 -3\4 in or so on take off.
Obviously a bit more foot with bigger rigs. But try driving with less throttle and more patience with car by itself. Just get to realise the difference.
Diesels are a completely different animal to Petrols.
PS. Even backing off a little with petrols when on cruise saves juice without dropping speed.
With the advantage that. conciously holding back on foot. automatically reduces the chance of "wind up" iE.
foot relax. throttle go down. speed go up.
DEAD.
-- Edited by macka17 on Saturday 23rd of July 2016 08:31:22 PM
OwenK said
09:17 PM Jul 23, 2016
Please Explain!
Hewy54 said
09:46 PM Jul 23, 2016
Very sad accident.
Why do people have to jump in and make up reasons for it to have happened?
Aus-Kiwi said
10:51 PM Jul 23, 2016
Because the vehicle didn't have the accident by itself . I doubt it was (excessive) speed ? When we where there . It was a week or so .. Most travelers where way under 130 kph.. So easy to swerve and zig when should be zagging !! Most couldn't revers park in Mataranka C.P . God knows how many klrs they traveled ? In experience ..
aussie_paul said
11:37 PM Jul 23, 2016
Hewy54 wrote:
Very sad accident. Why do people have to jump in and make up reasons for it to have happened?
Because I like to learn from my own and other peoples mistakes, PREFERABLY the latter.
Aussie Paul.
Hewy54 said
07:40 AM Jul 24, 2016
Agree with the last two comments, but you missed the point. We can all make assumptions about what may have happened, but when you assume you make an ass out of you and me.
My point is that there is no gain out of assuming. Could have been inattention, drugs, speed, animals, blowout mechanical failure.
If the truth comes out we may all learn by the mistakes made.
Wizardofoz said
08:01 AM Jul 24, 2016
I know that this is factual...the most dangerous factor for me when driving more that a couple of hours is TIREDNESS.
I readily admit to having huge trouble with drowsiness if I drive for any prolonged period on open roads, personally I never like to travel for more that 3 hours to a new location, if I do I have to pull over and take a short walk and try to refresh in between.
Perhaps I am more inclined to driving tiredness than most as I am a very intermittent night time sleeper and have trouble sleeping more than 2 hour in a stretch.
It does concern me about my condition when outback driving, even though I really control both my speed and distance utravelled, nevertheless, it is a worry and I know that I am not alone in this respect.
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Sunday 24th of July 2016 08:02:58 AM
Dickodownunder said
08:02 AM Jul 24, 2016
Hewy54 wrote:
If the truth comes out we may all learn by the mistakes made.
Unfortunately the difference between a sensationalised media news report personal beliefs and theories and the actual facts can quite oftem be very remote from each other.
We may never hear of the actual circumstances relating to this incident.
My thoughts are with the families and friends.
Geoff
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Sunday 24th of July 2016 08:05:10 AM
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Sunday 24th of July 2016 08:08:10 AM
jules47 said
10:01 AM Jul 24, 2016
Bruce and Bev wrote:
sad.......when they were out enjoying their lives having no doubt worked hard for most of their life.
Although we don't know (and possibly will never know) what caused the vehicle to veer off the road and then jack-knife, AK is so right about sleep and stopping for regular 5 or 10 minutes walk and leg stretching (or a cuppa). I have spoken with so many nomads in their 60s and 70s who rush along - miss our beautiful country - for up to 8 or 10 hours non-stop driving. They would probably get more R&R if they simply stayed at home.
We met a couple at Salmon Gums on their way home to Perth. They have driven in a period of 4 weeks from home to Melbourne, then up to Sydney to see family, then on to northern QLD to see more family. Both were retired and he said he was the only one to drive, he had to speed the entire trip and they were on the road between 8-12 hours a day, only stopping for a brief lunch in their van. They had a new Sahara and new 24ft van - so presumably not short of money. Why didn't they just fly to see their family?
They are retired - what is the hurry? It is not as if we retirees only have four weeks holiday a year - our lives should be one long holiday - if we travel 50k and find a good spot, we stop for the day. The longest, I think, we have driven in one stint was about 390k, and it was exhausting, not used to it. If you have appointments to meet, change the dates, or go afterwards.
Sad for the families of the deceased, and the injured. But hey, take time to smell the roses!
CC Bear said
11:46 AM Jul 24, 2016
In regards to the spped limit in the NT please read the link below. For many years the NT had unlimited spped on the major roads out of towns until 1/1/2007. More accidents occured in restricted zones than unrestricted zone. I know because I lived there for 25 years and still drive up at lest once a year. It is not the speed that kills but the idiot behind the wheel and unfortunately you can not legislate for morons. www.ntnews.com.au/news/opinion/lets-bring-back-open-speed-limits/news-story/852cfd3d91a611ca52acb2031a0046db
macka17 said
12:54 PM Jul 24, 2016
Short length of time. Higher speeds, with experienced drivers. is a much safer world to live in.
Get there quicker and not having to concentrate for so long.
We found that out in Europe in late '50's on AUtobahns.
Nanny STate country's like ours have no idea.. Control. control. control.
That's all they know. Restrict everything.
IF.... Old fart. new at game (retirement/towing) 98% sure it'll be falling asleep or lack of concentration for a second. Mechanical next.
People need training/advising... No matter what the few Nay sayers say.
The no of accidents happening, even more so nowadays. Proves it.
And the please explain anecdote earlier.
If you need explanation of lazy/tired foot. relaxation and faster speeds. You got a problem.
Some relax ankle and slowdown. some have heavy sneaker on foot and weight of, with relaxing of ankle. pushes throttle down.
Some like me. sit well back from wheel and have to "stretch foot to hold throttle on slightly, obviously.
SOme. mainly shorter/older people tend to sit on top of wheel. and when leg relaxes. the foot drops and throttle increases.
Go out to your car and try it.
We went all through these things in driver experience training and advanced driver courses Heavy haulage training etc. (we spent 2 months in classroom AFTER getting licences.
You'd be surprised what differences,just your position and comfort in cab can make to vehicle .
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 24th of July 2016 01:09:34 PM
macka17 said
01:15 PM Jul 24, 2016
Wizard.
I'm one of those intermittent sleepers. now more than ever.
I find that when we go out with van.
I drive for maybe an hr and am tired.
Either stop and kip, or let missus drive till you wake up.
Then I can/could drive all day after that.
Main reason for me is I was a sailor,
by myself mostly and spent yrs snatching a little bit at a time.
old habits, etc.
iana said
01:23 PM Jul 24, 2016
Just another point on this, and that is for those who have driven in the city for the most part, in the country, the roads are a bitumised strip, going from A to B, outside that strip is loose gravel. Sometimes there is quite a drop from the bitumen to the gravel or unsealed portion of the road, the shoulder. If the vehicle outside wheels drop off the bitumen, it can give the driver a bit of a fright, and the natural tendency is to swing the rig back onto the bitumen.
Don't do this, but keep the outside wheels off the bitumen, get the rig under control, and then s-l-o-w-l-y bring the wheels back onto the bitumised road. Any sharp and sudden turning of the front wheels may have you jack knifed.
Hewy54 said
02:02 PM Jul 24, 2016
macka17 wrote:
Short length of time. Higher speeds, with experienced drivers. is a much safer world to live in.
Get there quicker and not having to concentrate for so long.
We found that out in Europe in late '50's on AUtobahns.
Nanny STate country's like ours have no idea.. Control. control. control.
That's all they know. Restrict everything.
IF.... Old fart. new at game (retirement/towing) 98% sure it'll be falling asleep or lack of concentration for a second. Mechanical next.
People need training/advising... No matter what the few Nay sayers say.
The no of accidents happening, even more so nowadays. Proves it.
And the please explain anecdote earlier.
If you need explanation of lazy/tired foot. relaxation and faster speeds. You got a problem.
Some relax ankle and slowdown. some have heavy sneaker on foot and weight of, with relaxing of ankle. pushes throttle down.
Some like me. sit well back from wheel and have to "stretch foot to hold throttle on slightly, obviously.
SOme. mainly shorter/older people tend to sit on top of wheel. and when leg relaxes. the foot drops and throttle increases.
Go out to your car and try it.
We went all through these things in driver experience training and advanced driver courses Heavy haulage training etc. (we spent 2 months in classroom AFTER getting licences.
You'd be surprised what differences,just your position and comfort in cab can make to vehicle .
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 24th of July 2016 01:09:34 PM
I say again, even if you are 98% sure, why guess at what caused the accident?
Ron-D said
03:07 PM Jul 24, 2016
Speed can definitely kill, you have less time to react, when things get out of shape at high speed were in big trouble ,look at what happened to Peter Brock, driving at high speed to me is deadly and absolute stupidity while towing...
adreamer said
03:08 PM Jul 24, 2016
iana wrote:
Just another point on this, and that is for those who have driven in the city for the most part, in the country, the roads are a bitumised strip, going from A to B, outside that strip is loose gravel. Sometimes there is quite a drop from the bitumen to the gravel or unsealed portion of the road, the shoulder. If the vehicle outside wheels drop off the bitumen, it can give the driver a bit of a fright, and the natural tendency is to swing the rig back onto the bitumen. Don't do this, but keep the outside wheels off the bitumen, get the rig under control, and then s-l-o-w-l-y bring the wheels back onto the bitumised road. Any sharp and sudden turning of the front wheels may have you jack knifed.
Absolutely Correct and this is what would have happened.
Never, ever brake or go off road for animals as well!!
HunnyBunny said
03:38 PM Jul 24, 2016
At the end of the day, two people have lost their lives, a family is in mourning over the loss of their Parents & possibly Grandparents who were enjoying life. Sad news no matter how it happened.
Nifty150 said
09:20 PM Jul 24, 2016
I worked near Barrow Creek for a while and did many trips between Alice and Tennant Creek. The most common type of road accident on that stretch of road was known as a 'single vehicle rollover'. Almost always it involved someone drifting off to the left and hitting the dirt, overcorrecting, and spinning out on the opposite side of the road. Most likely cause, tiredness or inattention. It was a tragedy to have another vehicle involved - without that it may just have been a wreck with a degree of personal injury. As a further worry, one accident when I was there involved a 12 year old driver. It happens up that way, so take care, especially towing.
macka17 said
12:30 AM Jul 25, 2016
Hewy.
Everybody guesses.
That's humans for you.
rockylizard said
08:00 AM Jul 25, 2016
Ron-D wrote:
Speed can definitely kill, you have less time to react, when things get out of shape at high speed were in big trouble ,look at what happened to Peter Brock, driving at high speed to me is deadly and absolute stupidity while towing...
Gday...
Ron-d, Brocky (and every motorsport competitor) drives at speed ... that is because it is 'competition'.
However, if you read the background (and report) of the circumstances that caused Brocky to lose his vehicle and his life, you will find that it was a combination of two major factors -
fatigue ... he had not had enough sleep/rest. He had competed on the east coast, jumped in a plane, flew to WA and then straight to the event;
lack of preparation/familiarity ... he had spent NO time in that vehicle prior to jumping in to begin the competition.
Yep ... hitting a tree at speed is not a healthy thing to do. However, the other contributing factor is that the tree hit the vehicle smack on the driver's door - and Brocky's body/head took the full brunt.
There are always many factors in the cause of an accident - and the outcome of that accident.
Just like the one that began this thread - we weren't there and we do NOT know anything about the accident. Ultimately the police may form a opinion from the investigation of the circumstances - but we will quite probably never get to see/hear the report.
There is very little to be gained by arm-chair experts trying to guess what caused an accident reported in the media ... 'cept that some will feel better 'coz they aired their 'informed' knowledge.
Cheers - John
Hewy54 said
08:18 AM Jul 25, 2016
rockylizard wrote:
Ron-D wrote:
Speed can definitely kill, you have less time to react, when things get out of shape at high speed were in big trouble ,look at what happened to Peter Brock, driving at high speed to me is deadly and absolute stupidity while towing...
Gday...
Ron-d, Brocky (and every motorsport competitor) drives at speed ... that is because it is 'competition'.
However, if you read the background (and report) of the circumstances that caused Brocky to lose his vehicle and his life, you will find that it was a combination of two major factors -
fatigue ... he had not had enough sleep/rest. He had competed on the east coast, jumped in a plane, flew to WA and then straight to the event;
lack of preparation/familiarity ... he had spent NO time in that vehicle prior to jumping in to begin the competition.
Yep ... hitting a tree at speed is not a healthy thing to do. However, the other contributing factor is that the tree hit the vehicle smack on the driver's door - and Brocky's body/head took the full brunt.
There are always many factors in the cause of an accident - and the outcome of that accident.
Just like the one that began this thread - we weren't there and we do NOT know anything about the accident. Ultimately the police may form a opinion from the investigation of the circumstances - but we will quite probably never get to see/hear the report.
There is very little to be gained by arm-chair experts trying to guess what caused an accident reported in the media ... 'cept that some will feel better 'coz they aired their 'informed' knowledge.
TWO people died when a campervan and a car towing a caravan crashed head-on on the Stuart Highway.
The accident occurred just after 1.30pm on the Stuart Highway, 5km north of the Barrow Creek roadhouse.
Police confirmed two people had died and two others had suffered serious injuries.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service flew to the scene.
An RFDS spokeswoman said an emergency retrieval specialist from the Alice Springs Hospital had been on the RFDS aircraft.
It is understood that there have been two fatalities in the accident and that two other passengers were (initially) trapped inside the vehicle, she said.
Senior Sergeant Garry Smith said the Stuart Highway had been re-opened
LATEST INFO.....
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-23/four-wheel-drive-completely-destroyed-in-fatal-nt-crash/7654736
K.J.
-- Edited by kiwijims on Saturday 23rd of July 2016 11:41:15 AM
Gday...
If one reads the article it would appear to have nothing to do with an 'unlimited speed limit'
Cheers - John
Although we don't know (and possibly will never know) what caused the vehicle to veer off the road and then jack-knife, AK is so right about sleep and stopping for regular 5 or 10 minutes walk and leg stretching (or a cuppa). I have spoken with so many nomads in their 60s and 70s who rush along - miss our beautiful country - for up to 8 or 10 hours non-stop driving. They would probably get more R&R if they simply stayed at home.
We met a couple at Salmon Gums on their way home to Perth. They have driven in a period of 4 weeks from home to Melbourne, then up to Sydney to see family, then on to northern QLD to see more family. Both were retired and he said he was the only one to drive, he had to speed the entire trip and they were on the road between 8-12 hours a day, only stopping for a brief lunch in their van. They had a new Sahara and new 24ft van - so presumably not short of money. Why didn't they just fly to see their family?
I was not implying anything in what I posted just putting up that that is in the new section of unlimited speed zone.
I can relate to the fact that inattention can be a killer, When we did our trip around the Block, I gave the Missis a turn behind the wheel, we were travelling through the Northern Territory at the time, now if you think it's flat and straight on the Nullarbor, you haven't been up North of W.A.
Any way, I had nodded off and everything seemed to be O.K. I don't know what woke me but I happened to glance at the Speedo, the Missis seemed quiet comfortable sitting there staring out into space, she never realised that through inattention the speed had been creeping up and the old Patrol with our very old Classic Caravan in tow, were rocketing along at more than 140 kph
After giving the Missis a bollocking and getting her to lift her heavy foot, She reduced speed down to something like 95-100 kph , Next thing a new 4x4 towing a 25' van shot past us like there was no tomorrow, by the time we got to a small rise in the highway, this Clown was out of sight over the Horizon, he must have been getting small change out of 200 kph.
There's no wonder accidents happen, it took the Missis some time to calm down, after saying to her, just think what would happen if a tyre blew a that speed, her only reply was, But the Nissan was going great, "Yer" that's the trouble with the old Girl, the Diesel motor gets to a certain rev and doesn't seem to change it's tone as the speed increases.
End of story.... We got home safe in the end, !!!
K.J.
KJ wrote, The Diesel motor gets to a certain rev and doesn't seem to change it's tone as the speed increases.
Hasn't changed with the new stuff, my Colorado (Izusu engine) does exactly the same thing! Have to be careful in suburban driving, even more so than highway.
Regards,
Mike
If you do a lot of distance driving nowadays, and not used to it
Ex truckie etc.
People should buy an On Screeen Display.
It puts your speed IN YOUR FACE. and probably has limits Warnings, ability too.
Car drivers are used to Petrol engines.
They drive all their lives with foot down as the petrol input relates to speed output,
Much more than diesels do.
With a diesel. Take off with a little throttle, then when speed eases,
if you want more. give a little more.
Also back off a little when you reach the speed you want.
My D.Max never goes much more than 1\4 throttle for anything.
Normally around 1\2 -3\4 in or so on take off.
Obviously a bit more foot with bigger rigs.
But try driving with less throttle and more patience with car by itself.
Just get to realise the difference.
Diesels are a completely different animal to Petrols.
PS. Even backing off a little with petrols when on cruise saves juice without dropping speed.
With the advantage that. conciously holding back on foot. automatically reduces the chance of "wind up"
iE.
foot relax. throttle go down. speed go up.
DEAD.
-- Edited by macka17 on Saturday 23rd of July 2016 08:31:22 PM
Please Explain!
Why do people have to jump in and make up reasons for it to have happened?
Because I like to learn from my own and other peoples mistakes, PREFERABLY the latter.
Aussie Paul.
My point is that there is no gain out of assuming. Could have been inattention, drugs, speed, animals, blowout mechanical failure.
If the truth comes out we may all learn by the mistakes made.
I know that this is factual...the most dangerous factor for me when driving more that a couple of hours is TIREDNESS.
I readily admit to having huge trouble with drowsiness if I drive for any prolonged period on open roads, personally I never like to travel for more that 3 hours to a new location, if I do I have to pull over and take a short walk and try to refresh in between.
Perhaps I am more inclined to driving tiredness than most as I am a very intermittent night time sleeper and have trouble sleeping more than 2 hour in a stretch.
It does concern me about my condition when outback driving, even though I really control both my speed and distance utravelled, nevertheless, it is a worry and I know that I am not alone in this respect.
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Sunday 24th of July 2016 08:02:58 AM
Unfortunately the difference between a sensationalised media news report personal beliefs and theories and the actual facts can quite oftem be very remote from each other.
We may never hear of the actual circumstances relating to this incident.
My thoughts are with the families and friends.
Geoff
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Sunday 24th of July 2016 08:05:10 AM
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Sunday 24th of July 2016 08:08:10 AM
They are retired - what is the hurry? It is not as if we retirees only have four weeks holiday a year - our lives should be one long holiday - if we travel 50k and find a good spot, we stop for the day. The longest, I think, we have driven in one stint was about 390k, and it was exhausting, not used to it. If you have appointments to meet, change the dates, or go afterwards.
Sad for the families of the deceased, and the injured. But hey, take time to smell the roses!
Short length of time. Higher speeds, with experienced drivers.
is a much safer world to live in.
Get there quicker and not having to concentrate for so long.
We found that out in Europe in late '50's on AUtobahns.
Nanny STate country's like ours have no idea.. Control. control. control.
That's all they know. Restrict everything.
IF....
Old fart. new at game (retirement/towing)
98% sure it'll be falling asleep or lack of concentration for a second.
Mechanical next.
People need training/advising... No matter what the few Nay sayers say.
The no of accidents happening, even more so nowadays.
Proves it.
And the please explain anecdote earlier.
If you need explanation of lazy/tired foot. relaxation and faster speeds.
You got a problem.
Some relax ankle and slowdown.
some have heavy sneaker on foot and weight of, with relaxing of ankle.
pushes throttle down.
Some like me. sit well back from wheel and have to "stretch foot to hold throttle on
slightly, obviously.
SOme. mainly shorter/older people tend to sit on top of wheel.
and when leg relaxes. the foot drops and throttle increases.
Go out to your car and try it.
We went all through these things in driver experience training and advanced driver courses
Heavy haulage training etc. (we spent 2 months in classroom AFTER getting licences.
You'd be surprised what differences,just your position and comfort in cab
can make to vehicle .
-- Edited by macka17 on Sunday 24th of July 2016 01:09:34 PM
I'm one of those intermittent sleepers. now more than ever.
I find that when we go out with van.
I drive for maybe an hr and am tired.
Either stop and kip, or let missus drive till you wake up.
Then I can/could drive all day after that.
Main reason for me is I was a sailor,
by myself mostly and spent yrs snatching a little bit at a time.
old habits, etc.
Don't do this, but keep the outside wheels off the bitumen, get the rig under control, and then s-l-o-w-l-y bring the wheels back onto the bitumised road. Any sharp and sudden turning of the front wheels may have you jack knifed.
I say again, even if you are 98% sure, why guess at what caused the accident?
Speed can definitely kill, you have less time to react, when things get out of shape at high speed were in big trouble ,look at what happened to Peter Brock, driving at high speed to me is deadly and absolute stupidity while towing...
Absolutely Correct and this is what would have happened.
Never, ever brake or go off road for animals as well!!
At the end of the day, two people have lost their lives, a family is in mourning over the loss of their Parents & possibly Grandparents who were enjoying life. Sad news no matter how it happened.
Everybody guesses.
That's humans for you.
Gday...
Ron-d, Brocky (and every motorsport competitor) drives at speed ... that is because it is 'competition'.
However, if you read the background (and report) of the circumstances that caused Brocky to lose his vehicle and his life, you will find that it was a combination of two major factors -
Yep ... hitting a tree at speed is not a healthy thing to do. However, the other contributing factor is that the tree hit the vehicle smack on the driver's door - and Brocky's body/head took the full brunt.
There are always many factors in the cause of an accident - and the outcome of that accident.
Just like the one that began this thread - we weren't there and we do NOT know anything about the accident. Ultimately the police may form a opinion from the investigation of the circumstances - but we will quite probably never get to see/hear the report.
There is very little to be gained by arm-chair experts trying to guess what caused an accident reported in the media ... 'cept that some will feel better 'coz they aired their 'informed' knowledge.
Cheers - John
Very well put