NANNA-VAN ROAD RAGE - The sunday mail brisbane.17th may, 2015 page 55

mr glassies · Guru

NANNA-VAN ROAD RAGE - The sunday mail brisbane.17th may, 2015 page 55

Murraman · Senior Member

NeilandRaine wrote:
Just wondering, if they say you should travel no slower than 20k under the speed limit does this mean you should be doing 110 on some NT roads. Imagine doing that with a strong head wind

We have a coaster with a 3.4L NA Diesel engine, As soon as it hits a hill it slows down. I usually sit on 85-90km/ph where I can and pull over where I can as I don't like holding up traffic. But I notice a lot of places I could pull over are at the bottom of a hill and that would be counter productive.

In the NT I would be in big trouble as we would never be able to maintain that sort of speed, Down a mineshaft yes. It is really a catch 22 we don't want to hold up traffic but you want to enjoy the drive and scenery. Recently I had a bdouble behind me and I was keeping speed around the 90 so not to hold him up a lot, We came to a steep rise that was short but steep and because I slowed down he kept blowing his trumpet (Wanker).

I always sit back behind anything as you cannot see a thing when up a truck or van rear end, But we always get the truck or car that will sit within a metre of the rear of the bus as though they are trying to push you to go faster. (Waste of time with me as I will slow down a couple of k's) It is a far more pleasurable drive on dual lanes.

I firmly believe that testing and special licence should be given to those towing over a certain weight. Some people have no idea, Just as some are fantastic while towing.

I have always wondered what these impatient people do with the few minutes they saved getting to their destination, I have had people pass me in a 100 zone then 500 metres up the road slap the blinker on and turn into a property on the right and hold me up while it is safe to do so. I give the horn a good workout then.

chaslib · Senior Member

Just as a point of interest ...... if you are driving on an LR or higher licence which some motorhomes require, you are limited to 100klms - so if you have a speed limit of 110 and someone puts the pressure on your from behind, then don't be tempted ....... I think there are some road users that think that just because they can drive at 110 limit, then everyone can!

Edited ....... this relates to NSW - not sure about other states

-- Edited by chaslib on Monday 18th of May 2015 05:18:08 PM

Roostertales · Senior Member

wow -hot topic as it should be. Here's my view -open to derision or otherwise. I do a lot of country miles ( 50K a year at least ) and am increasingly concerned about excessive speed and "bad" behavior by a small minority of trucks and other road users. I mean travelling over speed limit, bullying, etc .
My view is unless you are travelling at much lower than the stated speed limit and not obeying the generally accepted road rules of courtesy ( travel in left lane where dual or passing lane available) then stop allowing yourself to be intimidated or harassed by vehicles travelling behind - they are not your concern it's their problem not yours.
Focus on the road ahead which IS your responsibility.
Switch off the CB if not willing to give the verbal middle finger and take number plate details etc of offending vehicles and report promptly to Police.
I never try to create a situation but I don't subscribe to the " quaker" mentality.
it is vey important that responsible road users show courage and help instil responsible driving in others.

Footprints · Senior Member

What is with the obsession to be towing caravans at the posted speed limit. The configuration of a car and caravan becomes a far more unstable unit on the road than does any Semitrailer combination, this is of course a result of the position of the wheels of a caravan which makes the caravan control the behaviour of the tow vehicle so that when the caravan pitches for and aft or worse is buffeted by sideways forces of wind which is generated by passing vehicles these forces cause an unstable and potentially unsafe effect on the tow vehicle. Due to the fact that the caravan is not only heavier than the tow vehicle but has a far greater bulk the only area that can be controlled by the tow vehicle is the speed of travel therefore if the considered maximum safe speed for trucks is 100klms per hour surely a more unstable unit such as a car and caravan should not be attempting to maintain the same maximum speed if in the opinion of the driver he/she feels that the conditions are not favourable. My view re holding up the progress of truck drivers; if they get so annoyed with delays that in turn affect their potential income may I suggest that they engage in some other form of employment, WHY? because delays cause loss of production and income in all industries, work on a building site ceases if a hold up of goods occur. Workers late for work due to road accidents ahead or public transport delays, everyone experiences delays from time to time, Chill out!

I drive a truck almost daily in Tasmania and throughout the course of the day there will be many times that a few vehicles will be held up behind me as I will be travelling at a slower speed than the posted speed. Maybe all the impatient drivers out there need to spend one year in Tasmania so that they may learn more patience on the road, it is not uncommon when travelling by car in some areas to be stuck behind a log truck or semi for 30 or more klms because there is no safe place to overtake and no overtaking lanes.

In Tassie we rely heavily on the Tourist dollar so that most of us will extend patience and courtesy when behind a hire car or a caravan.

Courtesy and consideration from all parties on the road is the answer to the problem in my humble opinion.

By the way! All of you slow caravanners are welcome in Tassie, please come over.

Ontos45 · Guru

My thoughts.