City Driving

Nelly · Guru

City Driving

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Hi Nelly,

I don't live in the big smoke either but need to drive though Melbourne if heading north when towing so just keep in the left lanes and if on a freeway/motorway do around 90kmh, unless of course it is the Monash carpark. Staying in the left lane makes me feel happier and don't have to worry about THAT blind spot on my left as much and other people can overtake on my right at their leisure. On other roads are at the speed limit or a tad under but still to the left as much as possible.

Just use your mirrors as much as possible and keep your eyes open and you should be right.

-- Edited by Dougwe on Wednesday 19th of March 2014 06:38:54 PM

MollyW · Veteran Member

So long as you know where you are going, just follow the car in front! That's what I do. Don't stress just keep going if you miss a turn and sort it out

MaryJane · Senior Member

Hi Nelly,
My experience, is that drivers notice caravans and indicators, when they don't appear to see the indicators in just my car!
I agree,with Dougwe, keep left, watch mirrors. Mirror, mirror, blind spot ie check ur mirrors, and before pulling out to the right, check ur blind spot.
Also, be positive. It you want to get in another lane and no one lets you, keep slowing, eventually someone will let you in!!! especially when you slowly start nudging out into the lane you want!!! And my theory is, I can always turn around..... If no ones lets me in.... Which has been known to happen.
Happy travels
MJ

oldbobsbus · Guru

We traveled 214 k on the Winton to Hughenden Rd last week and had 3 cars pass us and 10 going in the opposite direction including 2 road trains and I prefer that to doing the 20k through Melb or Sydney..
We went across the Westgate bridge a few weeks ago and there were B doubles weaving from lane to lane with a "Bugger you Jack" attitude.. cry

dazren · Guru

Hi Nelly Yep just follow what Dougwe wrote, I read it and think that advice is spot on !! Keep Left, stay just under the speed limit, and don't worry, just go with the flow. smile smile

EllenajoeL · Senior Member

Nelly, make sure your vehicle(s) is ready for travel and try to understand that 'others' (esp. in cities) are in MUCH more of a hurry.

If you are able to deal with slowlane travel (as well-mentioned above) you will be fine.

Of course., if it gets too much, find an exit and a moment to refresh....though I suspect you will find yourself 'out the other side' before you realise, if you keep smiling. smile

The dog lady · Guru

I used to get stressed if I missed my turnoff when driving in heavy traffic. Although I hate machines telling me what to do, I've found the GPS helps me avoid this stress and now when I need to go into a city I always use it to give me directions. Unlike my son it gives ample warning when the turnoff is coming up smile

Happy Camper · Senior Member

Hi Nelly
Yes I also go along with what Doug wrote.
When I'm on a "three lane highway" I usually travel in the second lane as its for straight through traffic where as the left lane is for merging & exiting traffic and you have to contend with vehicles cutting in on you.
Knowing where your going and being in the correct lane is the key and that's where a satnav device comes in handy giving you prior instructions for lane changes and exits.
If you indicate well in advance and drive at a safe stopping distance to the vehicle in front of you, it should be fine.
Safe travelling.
Cheers - John

bill12 · Guru

When you get passed by a b double , when you are doing over 105kph, you get out of his way. Might makes right, according to them.I usually try to talk to them on the radio, but also use the indicators if they want to pass. So much for 100kph limited trucks. Bill

NeilandRaine · Guru

A lot of people will not agree with me but I have found if you follow a semi through a city you will get a pretty good run. Most drivers know where they are going and know what they are doing
If you have a CB you can ask the driver if he is going your way and let him know your behind him.
You must stay far enough back so the driver can see you. Remember, if you cant see his mirrors he cant see you.
A good thing about following a semi at a safe distance there is little chance some fool will cut in in front of you.

johnq · Guru

Just wondering if any have found the GPS units for trucks any worth? The units are probably double the price, but that could be seen as cheap if it saves a lot of trouble,

www.harveynorman.com.au/garmin-dezl760lmt-truck-gps.html

-- Edited by johnq on Wednesday 19th of March 2014 09:58:25 PM

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Yeah! Know how you feel! The GPS in the Prado is good but the maps aren't new anymore.

Even a city as small as Albany seemed too busy and noisy yesterday, we got lost several times!!! Heaven knows how we'll manage in Perth!

To tow through big cities like Sydney or Melbourne we usually google-earth the route before we travel, it gives a good idea of where to change from one freeway to another etc. Brisbane scares me though, tunnels and turns everywhere!

rowdy · Veteran Member

All of the above and if you are using a GPS make sure it's set to recalculate route automatically if happen to miss a turn

Rip and Rosie · Guru

I plan my city leg of the journey to avoid peak hour....

I like the second lane on the city freeways, as it keeps me clear of merging traffic. I only need to change lanes when my exit is coming up.

The GPS gives me instructions ahead of time, and keeps human arguments to a minimum :)

I'm always happy to slot in behind a semi or another van.

Make sure your mirrors and indicators are working for you..... can't see and can't indicate are lethal.

In the end though, most cars will dodge around you, just keep to your lane and give plenty of notice for lane changes.

bill12 · Guru

I found Sydney much better than Brisbane as the traffic was moving! The Hume from Goulbourne to Sydney, and the Newcastle freeway were great except for that the m2/7 and the Newcastle freeway aren,t connected yet.Gridlock from G,coast to Gateway in Qld.I am a QLDer, and am not happy!The only bad thing about NSW was the cameras, which are everywhere. Revenue collecting I suppose. Bill

PJK · Senior Member

bill12 wrote:
I found Sydney much better than Brisbane as the traffic was moving! .......Snip
The only bad thing about NSW was the cameras, which are everywhere. Revenue collecting I suppose. Bill

Only if you are speeding Bill.

Coming from Tassie with hidden and mobile speed cameras, I just cannot understand how anyone gets caught speeding by the cameras in NSW. Several warning signs, and most people know where they are anyway.

PJK

Rip and Rosie · Guru

PJK wrote:
bill12 wrote:
I found Sydney much better than Brisbane as the traffic was moving! .......Snip
The only bad thing about NSW was the cameras, which are everywhere. Revenue collecting I suppose. Bill
Only if you are speeding Bill.
Coming from Tassie with hidden and mobile speed cameras, I just cannot understand how anyone gets caught speeding by the cameras in NSW. Several warning signs, and most people know where they are anyway.

PJK

I can't understand why anyone gets caught either, especially when they are towing.

bill12 · Guru

I must be doing something right as I didn,t get ticketed after 8 weeks in NSW.The toll roads cantake a bit of getting used to, though.I try to pay as soon as possible.Bill

Wirroff · Senior Member

Little City Driving Tip: When driving in cities on a three lane road, ALWAYS stay in the middle lane (just like the trucks do). This way, you'll never miss your turn left or right!

wendyv · Guru

It is usually possible to find a caravan park on the outer edge of the big cities, or even a bit of distance away. You can often, then, use public transport to travel into the cities to sightsee. That avoids the traffic issue.

Even though we live in suburban Melbourne, when we have to cross town with the bus (and before that the van), used to try and travel on a Sunday. Have always timed our forays through or around Sydney to be on Sunday!

Nelly · Guru

Thanks so much for all your replies - yet again this site is a great one - happy travels.