Trucking Nation | Other
Trucking Nation
Address: P.O. Box 6059 2906 Conder, ACT, Australia
Website: https://www.truckingnation.com.au
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25.01.2022 I wish we could credit the author but we wholeheartedly concur with this message.... FROM ANOTHER SITE, WELL WRITTEN. To anyone who sees caravans and RVs driving through Australia at the moment. Think before you judge or attack them for travelling in the midst of a pandemic.... Remember that many people were in the middle of their trip when all if this started. They did not see this coming. And thousands of them are grey-nomads whos retirement dreams have turned terrifying. Many of them were far from home when they heard the message not to travel and so stayed where they were. They bunkered down in camping grounds and caravan parks to wait it out. Thinking that staying put was the right thing to do. Recent events have seen thousands of them displaced and left with no choice but to travel.Tasmania ordered all tourists get out of their state by 26th of March. And as of the 25th of March, many of our State Governments have ordered the closure of camping grounds and told caravan parks to turn away all but permanent residents. With nowhere to stay, many travellers will be forced to drive through the night or stop to sleep on the side of the road. Please remember that these travellers have been given no choice but to make their way home through affected area and closed borders, not knowing how they will be treated. Most of them are taking every precaution and are aware that they face 2 weeks of isolation upon arriving home. Many are elderly and precisely the most vulnerable in this pandemic. They themselves are at risk every time they need to stop for fuel or food. Many of them are shocked, anxious, tired and scared. And many of them have families who are worried for their safety. They did not choose to be on the road at a time like this. They are not tourists flouting the travel ban. They are our parents and grandparents... and they are just trying to get home safely. So if you see them, please show them some consideration and compassion. Give them a wave instead of the finger and offer them help instead of abuse. We should all be showing kindness to our fellow humans at a time like this. Even if it is from 1.5m+ and adorned with gloves and masks. To those making your way home right now, I wish you all a safe journey x
25.01.2022 The elusive work life balance, is it really possible in an industry where you are hundreds or thousands of kilometres from home and family? It absolutely is possible but it takes effort and a lot of understanding from family and from your employer. In this episode of Road Life Australia our team discuss what the have done to help make this happen. They all agree its possible. The majority of our drivers are family people and whilst some struggle through many succeed at maintaining that balance between work life and personal life.
25.01.2022 OVERTAKING TRUCKS Too many drivers take significant risks to save a few minutes on a long trip. People become frustrated at slow trucks on hills and often the s...peed limit gap between the normal speed limit of 110 and heavy vehicles at 100. The difference usually means cars may pass quite a few trucks, but they will also have plenty of safe opportunities to do so. They can accelerate quickly, as opposed to the slower acceleration of larger vehicles and often limited chances to pass slower traffic. The practice of trucks flashing the right-hand indicator to help someone get around is now illegal. Some drivers may still not be aware of this, and it would seem many drivers still expect it. Judging by the number of people who appear to wait to be given a flash and having followed the truck for a while will decide almost on the crest or corner that they must get past this truck. Every truck driver has experienced the same thing many times, and the resulting near misses leave one shaking your head in disbelief. A semi-trailer is 19 metres long, and a vehicle showing a Long Vehicle sign (mostly B-Doubles) will be 25 to 26 metres long, so you are attempting to pass 9-10 cars at once. Perhaps if that thought prompts one to have sufficient vision of clear road before trying to pass it will be worth remembering. For safe overtaking: 1. If you are right up behind the truck you have very little vision, stay back, allowing you to see better. 2. Be certain you can see enough clear road to pass safely. 3. Pass quickly but sensibly. 4. Dont pull back in until you see both truck headlights in your mirror allowing a safe space. 5. Maintain your speed, dont pass and then slow down. A quick flash of your headlights as you move out to overtake is often worthwhile day or night but at night dont move to high beam until past the trucks mirrors. To take such a large risk of the lives of all in the car to save a few minutes, For safe overtaking: [1.] If you are right on the back of the truck you have very little vision, stay back allowing you to see better. [2.] Be sure you can see enough road to pass safely. [3.] Pass quickly but sensibly. [4.] Dont pull back in until you see both the trucks headlights, this allows a safe space. [5.] Maintain your speed, dont pass and then slow directly in front of the truck. To take a large risk for a gain of a couple of minutes is unsafe and often unnecessary.
25.01.2022 ANCAP SAFETY, Australasias independent vehicle safety authority, has announced the appointment of Mr Andy Cornish as its new Chair. Mr Cornish, who has been an Independent Director since 2017, takes up the role of Chair from today after Ms Wendy Machin recently signalled her intention to retire from the Board. Mr. Andy Cornish Andy Cornish takes over as Chair of the ANCAP Board of Directors following a period of reform for the organisation under the leadership of outgoing Chair, Ms Machin. [ 315 more words ] https://www.truckingnation.com.au//ancap-welcomes-new-cha/
23.01.2022 We need to get behind this
22.01.2022 BEING OVERTAKEN BY A TRUCK & SPEED LIMITED These two tips have been combined as they relate to each other so closely. The speed that a heavy vehicle can travel ...is closely governed and by law it is not possible for the driver to increase their speed beyond 100kph. So assuming a truck has caught up to you it is logical then that the truck is going faster than you and it would make sense for you to allow the truck to pass when it is safe to do so. Cars increasing speed when a truck attempts to overtake This happens in two situations. Firstly, on 2 lane highways where a truck has caught up to a car and then moves out to overtake, the car sometimes inadvertently increases speed, lessening the space available and increasing the distance and risk involved. Secondly, where a truck may have followed a car travelling at 85 95 km/hr waiting for a safe place to pass only to reach the passing lane and the car accelerates to 100 km/hr only to slow to its original speed when back in one lane. Trucks are speed limited to 100kph so please do not increase your speed when being overtaken. Rather than frustrating everyone, particularly on flat terrain where it can maintain the legal speed limit, consider allowing it to pass safely and be on its way. You dont want a heavy vehicle to be continually behind you, and they dont want to be there either. Also, in some instances such as when traffic queues up behind slower traffic, other drivers will take risks in overtaking. By sharing the road and considering others, you improve your safety and that of other road users. It pays to remember that a heavy vehicle, due to its slow acceleration and speed limiting restriction, has far fewer overtaking opportunities than the average car. If being passed by a truck, dont allow your speed to increase, this only increases the time involved. If anything, ease up on the accelerator and by helping the truck pass safely you improve your own safety as well. Speed limiting means no engine power above 100 km/hr. A truck will hope to be at the legal speed limit approaching the bottom of a hill to lessen delays to all traffic, but if slow uphill or when overtaking, we are doing the best we can.
22.01.2022 Going to the Snow? There have been multiple vehicle accidents and fallen trees on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road due to heavy snowfall overnight. Chains are req...uired, please read all signage on your travels these holidays. Please be prepared and equipped for sudden changes and weather conditions in all Alpine areas. http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au//snowy-moun/driving-in-snow.html
21.01.2022 Tips on what to eat, how to exercise and what signs to recognise for mental health are tackled in new series of videos for truck drivers. Road Safety and Freight Transport Assistant Minister Scott Buchholz said the series by Whiteline Television gave practical tips from truckies who were often on the road for several days at a time. I want to congratulate Whiteline Television for their great work on the new [ 471 more words ] https://www.truckingnation.com.au//truckie-mental-and-phy/
21.01.2022 Following some amazing feedback and enquires, our Operations Manager Sarah, visits again with Chris Harmer (Mr. Positive) to see how he has been going. Given the events of 2020 so far we were hoping for some good news and we got it in spades. It would appear that Chris’s tumours are clear for now and here’s hoping they stay that way. Whilst it is always a significant possibility of a return of this insidious disease, at this stage Chris is currently clear. Never able to get h...is truck license back Chris fills his time volunteering for the church and also for Burkinshaw‘s which keeps him in touch with his love of trucks. We sincerely thank Chris for allowing us to update everyone on his current status and wish him good health into the future.
20.01.2022 We have some really cool things happening in the next little while, COVID allowed us the time to have a little fun with some vision from the past few years and gave us an opportunity to say thanks to all of those who have helped us.
19.01.2022 High beam glare contributes to fatigue during night driving. When you see the lights of an oncoming vehicle dip or you are flashed before reaching a crest or cu...rve, dip your lights. By waiting until you see the vehicle before you dip your lights, you are momentarily blinding the oncoming driver. With a closing speed of 200 kph and only a twenty centimetre white centre line between oncoming traffic blinding the other driver is not very clever. On divided highways, refusing to dip because of intermittent shrubbery in the middle can be at least inconsiderate or at worst dangerous to other road users. High beam through a gap in the divider, particularly on curves can be worse than over a crest as you are often not expecting it. If coming up behind a truck, dip early rather than when right up behind it, as trucks mirrors can be 15 times larger and dont have an anti-glare position. When you move to overtake, one quick flash is a good idea but dont jump to high beam until past the trucks mirrors. Some people now drive around with fog lights on all the time. They can be beneficial in fog but not only is it illegal to have them on at any other time, but they can also be a hazard especially if not correctly aimed. Also, on billiard table smooth roads the sharp cut off of fog lights would be like flashing high beam as you hit each bump. Rear fog lights can also make it impossible to see brake lights in use in the rain. In using fog lights in normal conditions, you can be creating a hazard rather than a benefit. Travelling with your headlights on in the daytime or at least turning them on early in bad weather or when the traffic approaching is driving into the sun, can only increase your safety, but please make sure they are on low beam. If going on a long trip, check your headlight adjustment with the extra load or trailer in mind and always carry spare bulbs and check and clean your lights regularly. Reference: Australian road rules part 13 rule 217
18.01.2022 Travelling in the outback of Australia is an iconic Australian dream. The sights of the red desert and other attractions such as Uluru are synonymous with the Australian outback and evoke passion in travellers to marvel and experience the wild Australian bush. The Road transport industry doesnt stop, 365 days a year the dedicated men and women of this industry keep going to ensure that everyone has everything they need. The outback is no different but carries with it some... other surprises that you dont normally see in our cities. Triple Road Trains, these leviathans travel the desert roads carrying freight to all of the outback communities and cities and whilst they are a marvel to see, they also carry some special considerations for the uninitiated traveller. One thing is for sure, we all have the same goal and that is to arrive at our destination safely. So, what can you do to ensure you make your trip safe around them? The most important thing you need to do is GIVE US ROOM. These Road Trains can be up to 53.5 metres 10 car lengths and can weigh up to 135.5 tonnes. In this video Rod Hannifey, a long time experienced truck driver and road safety advocate along with entertainer Amelia Ryan from South Australia explain the idiosyncrasies of operating your vehicle safely around these trucks.
18.01.2022 A loaded B-Double can weigh 40 to 50 times that of the average sedan and because of this substantial weight difference, trucks take much longer to stop than a c...ar. Cutting in front of trucks approaching traffic lights reduces the safety margin allowed by the truck driver to give ample room to stop and to possibly still be moving when they change. If you fill this space, you risk damage from behind. A loaded B-double can weigh up to 50 times that of your average car, and it is not physically possible to stop instantly. Some people do not seem to be aware of the energy required to move up to 64 tonnes of B-double off from a standing start and conversely the distance needed to stop one. Drivers of all large vehicles try to utilise the rolling momentum as much as possible by flowing with the traffic and holding back at lights to be still moving when they change to green. You will not save any time on your trip if hit from behind by a truck because you filled the space that the driver allowed to slow. On the highway, many drivers seem to have the desire to be in front of a truck. Some will pull out in front of one travelling at highway speed and put themselves and their passengers at risk of being hit to save perhaps a few seconds. Worst of all is when they then only travel a few hundred metres, and they signal to turn off. Surely it is safer to wait and pull out into a larger safer space, as forcing the truck to heavily brake which inconveniences not only the driver but also the traffic following behind. As a pedestrian you would not step out in front of a bus and hope it will stop, so why take a similar risk in your car in front of a truck. These practices only increase transport costs by higher wear of brake components and increased fuel usage to get the vehicle moving again. One instance will not change the transport cost, but when this happens across Australia hundreds of times a day, these costs are in turn passed on in higher freight charges. Transport costs in Australia are quite low considering the distance involved and the fees and taxes, particularly on fuel. The transport industry is striving to run at Worlds Best Practice, and if our roads could be further improved, all road users would benefit from safer travel and a lower road toll, (something we would all like to see). So please, think before you fill the space in front of a truck at lights or on the highway and give the truck driver room to slow safely. Remember, you are only protecting yourself and your passengers. For example, a car travelling at 100km/h takes 157 metres to stop where as a truck travelling at the same speed takes 185 metres to stop.[1] A truck traveling at 60km/h needs 83 metres to stop. So, if you move front of them at a red light then youre moving into their stopping space and putting yourself at risk For you own safety, please leave plenty of space in front of heavy vehicles approaching traffic lights or out on the highway.
16.01.2022 Christmas Holidays are coming up so it pays to be especially mindful about parking bays yet again.
16.01.2022 Our third video in the Road Life Australia series is one of utmost importance and surrounds looking after our mental health. Our guests give their take on keeping your mind active and healthy, plus we get exclusive insight from a highly respected and experienced driver on his own battles with depression. As pointed out, there is absolutely no shame in asking for help. The other aspect is discussed about fatal crashes, many drivers are first on the scene and how it is importan...t for drivers to seek advice if you are feeling out of sorts. As we know, our health impacts on our bodies ability to function at peak performance so if food is the fuel of the body, then what we read and listen to is the fuel for the mind, our team also talk about fuelling the mind with the aid of podcasts and audiobooks. If we put junk in, then, we cannot expect to get peak performance out of our mind either. This can lead to fatigue and other dangerous health concerns.
15.01.2022 And Mr Bonica is a hell of a nice guy too, congratulations. Beautiful piece of gear.l
15.01.2022 Sunday the 20th October saw the opening day of the CMCA rally in Elmore, Victoria. Rod Hannifey was invited along to discuss sharing the road with heavy vehicles and had the TIV on display at the event. As usual with this crowd, Rod was a huge success as he conveyed our message of road safety in an effort to get everyone to share the road responsibly and safely.
14.01.2022 Managing your fatigue starts at home. You must get enough rest before your shift. If you are required to drive overnight, then, of course, you need to sleep during the day, which does not always fit in with family life. Your family must understand that you need to get some quality sleep while you are at home. Some modifications can be done to the house to assist in sleep during the daylight hours. Things like tinted windows, air conditioning and blackout curtains can always h...elp the driver to get enough sleep during daylight hours. TECHNOLOGY There have been many advances through technology in the fight to assist drivers in recognising the early signs of driver fatigue, There are aftermarket monitoring systems, and many European manufacturers have these systems installed as a standard item.
14.01.2022 Continuing our Road Life Australia series for new drivers entering the industry we tackle the important subject of fatigue. Make no mistake, Fatigue can be a killer if left unchecked, it is inevitable and must be managed. The most important thing a truck driver needs to do is manage their fatigue. Not doing so can have consequences nobody wants to face. [ 146 more words ] https://www.truckingnation.com.au///16/fatigue-management/
11.01.2022 Our second video in the Road Life Australia series centres around exercise. Our guests give their unique take on keeping active and some of the unusual ways they achieve this. Many times, we find it challenging to find the time to exercise, but it is incredibly crucial that we do. Keeping the body active can have lasting implications throughout your driving career. Regular exercise can also help to reduce the onset of heart disease and other life-threatening problems. It is essential to at least walk every day, getting the cardiac system moving will help keep the body healthy. Our lifestyle can be quite sedentary, so we must take some time to exercise daily. Of course, one should always consult with one’s doctor before embarking on any new exercise regime.
11.01.2022 During a recent interview, Heather Jones from Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls was asked the question about road transport and work-life balance, and she gave this answer that we thought worthy of a short clip video.
10.01.2022 This tip is a simple concept, but along with driver education, awareness of sharing the roads and increasing your safety, these things are often not given enoug...h consideration. Many people are in a hurry for whatever reason, be it essential or otherwise and the speed of life has changed, as have the vehicles we drive. A drivers attitude can be the biggest danger, to themselves and others. As professional drivers, we see many near misses and acts of impatience every day on the road. No one is perfect, we are all human, but as professionals, we aim to eventually get home safely to our families, most likely you do as well. People often risk their lives and that of their passengers/families to pass a truck or get in front of one to save a few minutes, if that. Is it worth it? Often its a significant risk for a small gain. Cars and light vehicles have far greater opportunities to pass a truck than the other way around. This program aims to save lives by offering car drivers another view. Truck drivers drive cars, but not all car drivers drive trucks. National Truck Accident Research Centre figures are showing that in 83% of fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles the third party was at fault. This data only confirms that better understanding of sharing the road with trucks is needed. Lastly, if more people considered others on the road for just a second and offered a wave of thanks when someone does the right thing, it might lead to less waving of fingers or fists. Road rage is mostly brought on by attitude, whether its one driver or both. This sharing the road program is aimed at lessening accidents and improving safety for all. Road courtesy and a bit of patience may save your life; it could also prevent road rage. Id much rather a wave of thanks than a shaken fist. Improved driver education and awareness of heavy vehicles, can only improve safety for all road users.
09.01.2022 ROAD POSITIONING A truck uses all of its lane space, do not travel right on the centre line, use the road width available, to give you space between opposing tr...affic. If stopped or broken down, where possible park well clear of the roadway. 10 centimetres past the fog line (the unbroken line on the left) is not safe for you or your car. Use hazard lights and ensure headlights are dipped or off at night, to be able to be seen safely. Safety triangles can be a worthwhile investment. Many of our major roads are slowly being widened allowing traffic a gap between opposing vehicles without being right on the edge of the roadway. Many drivers either through being used to narrowing city traffic lanes or narrow highways travel very close to the centre line. If you then tow a caravan or trailer, these can ride on or cross the centre line where you risk colliding with oncoming traffic or risk a fine. This practice can be hazardous at night if your trailer doesnt have reflectors or lights fitted to the extremities and the added width is not allowed taken into account. In the event of having to pull off the road for a flat tyre or breakdown or even by Police request, where possible move well off the roadway. Police always park further out than a vehicle they have pulled over to give the Police Officer a safety corridor in front of their car, while they are beside yours. Some people park or leave their vehicle only centimetres past the fog line (the unbroken line on the left-hand edge of the roadway) believing this is safe enough, but they dont consider that trucks use all of the lane widths up to this line and this practice leaves no room for error. Its an even more significant hazard at night or in the rain. Lastly, if pulling up on the roadside for any reason at night, park well off the road and make sure your headlights are dipped to low beam or switched to parking lights. Blinding oncoming traffic may mean they cannot see your hazard lights or perhaps even you waving for help until the last second and this could cause an accident. Breakdown reflective triangles as you may see used by trucks could be a worthwhile investment, and may save damage to you or your car should it be in a hazardous position or have no battery power.
08.01.2022 A common-sense approach in NSW https://www.truckingnation.com.au//a-common-sense-approac/
07.01.2022 BORDER UPDATE as of 6:30pm 9 July 2020 The renewed outbreak of coronavirus in Victoria has prompted significant changes to border requirements across Australia.... Please note that individual states and territories are responsible for their own border processes, permit applications and are the best sources of information for changes. For comprehensive state and territory entry requirements, visit our dedicated coronavirus page - www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus Australian Capital Territory Border pass required if entering ACT from Victoria. https://bit.ly/2Oaja5Y New South Wales NEW Border pass required if entering NSW from Victoria. See website for updates on the NSW permit system, including the removal of requirements to self-isolate, providing your employer has a COVID-Safe plan in place. Freight drivers should apply for a border pass under the exemption category Critical services movement of freight or persons on a commercial basis - https://bit.ly/2BV3Ya5 Northern Territory NEW Border pass required if entering Northern Territory from any other state. From 17 July no entry from hotspots, including all of Victoria, with no exemptions. https://bit.ly/2CjXQrI Queensland NEW Border pass required if entering Queensland from any other state from noon July 10 2020. Freight drivers must carry a border pass that must be renewed every seven days. There are additional social distancing and contact tracing requirements in place. Please consult the Queensland Health website linked below for additional details. https://bit.ly/2BRSd4k South Australia NEW Border pass required if entering SA from any other state. As of 9 July 2020 Victorian residents are not permitted to enter SA, with exemptions for essential travellers, which includes freight. https://bit.ly/2ClGOK8 Tasmania Border pass required if entering Tasmania from any other state - https://bit.ly/38FfOBa Victoria No Border Pass required - https://bit.ly/3fophPK Western Australia Border pass required if entering Western Australia from any other state - https://bit.ly/2Oaemxs #NHVR
07.01.2022 The sign on the rear of vehicles over 7.5 metres in length, allows them to legally turn from the second or even the third lane as needed to get around a corner ...safely.[3] If you are next to a truck during a turn, you could be in their blind spot or move into the path of the trailer that swings out during a turn putting yourself at risk. do not overtake turning vehicle Do Not overtake turning vehicle sign fitted to the rear of vehicles exceeding 7.5m With indicators flashing, drivers still come up underneath a truck or trailer about to turn. Many are obviously unaware of the large blind spot to the left and rear of the truck cab. You may have seen stickers on some trucks: IF YOU CANT SEE THE TRUCK DRIVER, THEY CANT SEE YOU. if you cant see my mirrors This is well worth remembering. So if you come up behind a truck with indicators flashing to signal a turn, wait back and allow the driver plenty of room. You are helping him and yourself by not filling this space and putting you and/or your vehicle at risk. For your own safety, its essential stay behind the Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle sign until the turn is completed. [3] ROAD SAFETY ROAD RULES 2017 RULE 143
07.01.2022 Travelling in the outback of Australia is an iconic Australian dream. The sights of the red desert and other attractions such as Uluru are synonymous with the Australian outback and evoke passion in travellers to marvel and experience the wild Australian bush. The Road transport industry doesnt stop, 365 days a year the dedicated men and women of this industry keep going to ensure that everyone has everything they need. [ 248 more words ] https://www.truckingnation.com.au//holiday-travellers-and/
06.01.2022 Double demerits start at midnight tonight and continue until 11:59pm, 27 January. NSW Police Force will target speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences this long weekend.
05.01.2022 Snow to low levels, strong winds and colder weather is predicted over the Snowy Mountains, over the next few days, please take care if driving and visiting the ...area. All 2WD vehicles will need to carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends on the following roads: -Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary at Thredbo River (onto Perisher Valley). -Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length Snow chains are also recommended on Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo, and on Snowy Mountains Highway. The road from Khancoban to Cabramurra and many of Kosciuszko National Parks minor roads are closed in winter. While snow chains are not compulsory for 4WD and AWD vehicles, its recommended you carry them during winter, especially if youre not used to driving on alpine roads affected by snow and ice.
05.01.2022 Whilst travelling in the outback of our great country, it is very important that we not only share the roads but also our facilities such as parking bays and roadhouses. These remote facilities take on a whole new meaning in the outback with some special considerations surrounding these huge trucks.
05.01.2022 Our first video in the Road Life Australia series centres around Eating Healthy. Our guests give their take on modern roadhouse food compared to taking their own and the logistics of doing that. Eating plenty of fruit and drinking lots of water appears to be the main theme and staying away from sugar and heavy, fatty foods. Of course, if you are serious about looking after yourself, then a fridge is a must. As we know, our health impacts on our bodies ability to function at p...eak performance so if food is the fuel of the body, if we put junk in then, we can’t expect to get peak performance out of our body. This can also lead to fatigue and other dangerous health concerns. Our guests are not dieticians, but providing examples of how they manage to be successful in what they do, of course, one should always consult with one’s doctor before embarking on any change to our usual health management routine.
04.01.2022 Driving while tired or fatigued is dangerous and is often referred to as drowsy driving and could even lead to having a microsleep. Drowsy driving is generally caused by not getting enough sleep. A big part of being a truck driver is managing your fatigue or tiredness, and another big part is being able to recognise the signs before it is too late. [ 43 more words ] https://www.truckingnation.com.au//fatigue-recognise-the-/
04.01.2022 Disqualified driver in court following alleged pursuit, driving at police and trespass Operation Stay AlertTuesday, 09 June 2020 12:01:40 PM Two disqualified drivers one arrested following an alleged police pursuit and the other barred from driving until 2048 will face court today charged following proactive patrols on the final day of Operation Stay Alert. Operation Stay Alert began at midnight on Friday (5 June 2020) and concluded at 11.59pm yesterday (Monday 8 June 2020). [ 1,182 more word ] https://www.truckingnation.com.au//disqualified-driver-in/
04.01.2022 CARAVANS & MOTORHOMES One of the most challenging situations on the roads is with a truck catching up behind a van and the van driver. The van driver believes t...hey are doing the right thing, unnecessarily slows down and moves to the left. By slowing before the truck has pulled out to overtake the van forces the truck to slow, losing its momentum and road speed, which it then has to recover before attempting to pass again. Though moving left can reduce wind buffeting for the van, with a rough or broken edge it can make controlling the trailer more difficult and can throw up stones from this normally unused section of road. The truck will always have to cross the centre line, so only move left when conditions warrant it. We would recommend maintaining your speed and position until the heavy vehicle pulls out to overtake, and if you wish to assist, lift your foot gently off the accelerator. Once the vehicle is safely back on the right side of the road then regain your travelling speed. Caravan CB, UHF 18 is now widely recognised, and while unofficial (but still within Australian Communication Authority Guidelines) with your van signed front and back, it provides on-road communication between vanners and truckies when needed, and if used during overtaking, takes away the guesswork of what each party is going to do. Caravan CB has been growing slowly now over several years and is promoted through interested caravan clubs, parks, industry organisations and magazines along with, the trucking industry. Truckies generally use channel 40 on UHF. The emergency channel is five on UHF. The more who join in and participate in Caravan CB, the wider the benefits will be. Signs are available from a number of clubs or you can make your own. FRONT UHF 18 REAR UHF 18 With the option of adding your name, eg Bill and Sue, to ensure you get the right van. (Minimum 100 mm high letters) With caravan speeds often limited by towing vehicle manufacturers capacities and or ratings, it is worth considering the capabilities of your combination as a whole in choosing a safe road speed. Secure, suitable mirrors and a proper towing hitch should be included, along with putting your unit over a weighbridge to ensure correct weights and improved safety. A UHF radio should prove a valuable addition. You might consider joining a caravan club to access the experiences of others or look to caravan magazines for information or even attending a caravan clinic to see you start with some experience, rather than learn from scratch on the road, which has seen some learn very costly lessons. Caravans When being overtaken, maintain speed and position, only slow when the truck has moved out to pass. Quality mirrors, towing hitches and good advice are priceless. A UHF radio can also be worthwhile. WE FULLY SUPPORT THE IDEA AND BENEFITS OF CARAVAN CB, UHF 18 and the fitting of Caravan CB stickers on the front and rear of your van.
03.01.2022 The grieving family of a young man say the deadly driver who killed them is an evil grub".
01.01.2022 If you watch nothing else this year, then you should take 15 minutes of your time and watch this video. If nothing else, it will put your life into perspective. Around the country and the world, people think that their major obstacle in life is the amount of toilet paper they have. After sitting down with truck driver and devoted father and husband, Chris Harmer, you soon realise that toilet paper is the least of our concerns. Chris has lived with, loved unconditionally and s...upported his family including two special needs children who now require full-time respite care. In his words, he feels and considers himself lucky to have these special people in his life. In early January Chris was dealt another cruel blow when he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour which required immediate removal and then the subsequent therapies that follow. In another cruel blow, many of us truck drivers would feel the pain, he had his license taken away from him because of the diagnosis. His wife Carol cares for him full time now. As is Chriss style, belief and faith, you dont hear a complaint, you dont hear anything selfish from him just an unshakable positivity and concern for his wonderful children. Whatever your belief system, Christian, Agnostic, Jew or Moslem there is one thing that is undoubtedly true, the power of faith is something truly amazing to see. A benefit day has been organised for Chriss family in Wagga Wagga 28th March 2020 from 2 to 8 pm. Sadly we must repost this, the event will be back on and we will let you all know when! # POSTPONEMENT # Following tonights extraordinary Committee meeting its was decided at a majority vote of 100% to Postpone The Chris Harmer Benefit Day to a date yet to be announced. Its with much regret that we had to Action a Postponement plan with the pending COVID-19 outbreak. I hope everyone will understand the difficult decision we had to make. It was Absolutely Paramount that Chriss Health was Not Compromised at the upcoming Benefit Day Event. All tickets that have been bought on Pre Sale through Eventbrite will be fully refunded. Those who paid Cash on presale will be fully refunded. # Please Note this is Not a Cancellation Notice But a Postponement Notice Only # Further inquiries can be made with Bruce Dodds on Email at [email protected]
