MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Black-Pig on July 22, 2013, 07:12:12 PM
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So having done a fair bit of gravel road driving recently I have come to notice that most, not all but most, drivers do not allow you to over take. If a car/truck/tour bus is travelling faster than I am, then it is only nice to let them go by, saves them eating dust and the annoyance of seeing their lights (if they have them on) coming in and out of view in the dust. I have had several time recently caught vehicles going slower than I was. One even slowed down, pulled to the side, and as I was about to over take, he pulled to the middle of the road, insert expletive and ABS chattering here. Most just go back and forth around the road, with me sitting with half my car in their dust with lights on waiting for the opportunity to get passed.
So my question is am I a sucker for letting them go by, going slow for a bit to allow their dust to settle then resuming my normal speed. Or should I just say eat my dust and wait until the dust is less thick. ???
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Hi Black Pig
I must state that I am one who has intentionally stopped people from getting past me on the Tanami, and there has been a damned good reason for doing it. People who travel at ridiculous speeds on roads like the Tanami are accidents waiting to happen, and I have attended enough accidents as part of the Desert Rescue Service to never want to again.
If I see someone behind me, catching up really quickly, I will, quite intentionally, allow them to suck dust for a while, to make them slow down. Unless you know aroad like the back of your hand, why go fast, and nobody knows gravels that well, as they seem to constantly change.
Just my opinion and what I do.
Regards
Tjupurula
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I like my ducco and lungs so and prefer to stay well back ... if I'm on a dirt road then I'm on holidays and in no hurry anyway.
Kit_e
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I am not talking about going very fast here, I am just talking about going quicker than the other person. I only go 83kph (best fuel efficiency in the Lux) on Tar, so only go that fast on good gravel, but if some one is going 50kph and it is safe for me to go faster why stop me? Surely, like in a city, your actions of deliberately stopping me will cause the problem through increased probability of road rage, and frustration just to get by?
I totally agree with you TJ about some drivers being idiots, having met and been overtaken by a few recently.
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If your out on a road & you come across another that's in your way . If you can read minds then you pathway is clear , if not settle petal .
Your on your time , its not Bathurst you know . Kick down a gear , or stop[ for a cuppa .
Be 10 Mins late in this world , Not a life time early in the NEXT >:D
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I say you're right - pull over, slow down even more and let them go past (maybe even with a flash of your right indicator to tell them to go past).
This way you don't have a faster car up your jaxxy pushing you and dangerously sitting in your dust where he can't see s@#t. Let him take his own risks without involving you. If he's in front of you it's easier to see what he's doing!
The overtaker can make up his own mind and if he's going too fast for the conditions then let's hope nothing happens to him anyway. If it does then hope it only happens to him and doesn't involve others.
At least you've done the right thing by you and yours and got him away from you.
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I am not talking about going very fast here, I am just talking about going quicker than the other person. I only go 83kph (best fuel efficiency in the Lux) on Tar, so only go that fast on good gravel, but if some one is going 50kph and it is safe for me to go faster why stop me? Surely, like in a city, your actions of deliberately stopping me will cause the problem through increased probability of road rage, and frustration just to get by?
I totally agree with you TJ about some drivers being idiots, having met and been overtaken by a few recently.
Never had a problem swith the road rage thing Black-Pig. The Desert Rescue service on the side of the car, and three black fellas all over 6 ft getting out normally settled people down pretty damned fast. I'd rather that than know someone had lost their life because I had not taken action. Incidentally, I am no longer with DRS, and it no longer exists.
Regards
Tjupurula
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I only go 83kph (best fuel efficiency in the Lux) on Tar
Are you serious?
KB
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I hate it when you are traveling one way, another 4wd is coming the other, I always slow down and pull over. In stead of showing the same curtesy, they see this as their chance to move over to the middle of the road, speed up and shower my vehicle in stones.
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Are you serious?
KB
I was going to ask the same thing.
Please tell me you don't sit on the HWY doing 83kph?
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I grew up on dirt roads, so I generally drive a bit faster than others on dirt, and when people don't slow down or worse, deliberately sit in the middle of the road to stop me from overtaking, this is very frustrating, and generally results in a stone shower when I eventually get past. If they want to go 70kph everywhere, and I am comfortable doing 90kph, I don't see why they want to hold me up.
When other vehicles are approaching, I will generally back off to reduce dust and stones, and I appreciate it when others do the same.
I am a firm believer that you should drive to your abilities / comfort level on dirt, and I am very comfortable with dirt so will travel a bit faster, however my wife is hopeless on dirt and will travel quite slowly, if she will even drive dirt at all.
If someone wants to go past, let them, there can be very little benefit to you if you deliberately hold them back.
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Whether it's dirt or bitumen I often pull over when there is an opportunity to allow traffic behind to pass - I think it's just a basic courtesy.
I travel at reasonable pace but towing the camper guarantees that someone will catch me at some stage so I just check my mirrors regularly at get out of the way when I can.
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I hate it when you are traveling one way, another 4wd is coming the other, I always slow down and pull over. In stead of showing the same curtesy, they see this as their chance to move over to the middle of the road, speed up and shower my vehicle in stones.
Couldn't agree more.
The amount of pillocks that don't slow down when there is an approaching vehicle is down right abysmal. >:(
Not only stones but sure a murphy will bite ya on the arse, the dust will be blowing across your path and you drive into a dust storm.
Sometimes I just vent over the uhf at 'em. The great central seems to be the worst ( traversed it 4 times in the past 12 months) and the ones towing are the worst. Not 1 slowed!!
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Whether it's dirt or bitumen I often pull over when there is an opportunity to allow traffic behind to pass - I think it's just a basic courtesy.
I travel at reasonable pace but towing the camper guarantees that someone will catch me at some stage so I just check my mirrors regularly at get out of the way when I can.
What is this "Courtesy" thing you speak of???? ??? ??? ???
All I see when I'm out these days is "Stuff you Jack, I'm in front, suck eggs. If I want to drive at 28 kph under the limit then so do you........ Oh of course until you actually manage to overtake, then suddenly I need to do about 1 kph more than you as I tailgate...."
These threads keep popping up and most can be solved with general courtesy.
Of course extremes and idiots are exceptions which will never change, but most people just want to get on their merry way and enjoy travelling.
Somehow though they don't make interesting internet posts........
Far more fun to talk about the fools we come across. ;D
Black pig - It just makes you a decent human. Keep doing it. Us swaggers appreciate it even if no one else does.
Pogasaurus -Well said and about as true as it can be.......
Cheers all and safe travels
Brian
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I was going to ask the same thing.
Please tell me you don't sit on the HWY doing 83kph?
Are you serious?
KB
When there is no one else around, why not? Going around Aus on a budget mean making savings right? So if I can get 10.5 to 11km per litre of diesel, as apposed to 8.0 km/l going 100kph, this will get me a lot further on a 140l tank, and be safer. I talk to others on the road, moving off to let them by and often get slowed down by caravans going slower.
I see a lot of swaying van and trailers going by, and having had one take over whilst not going fast I know what can and will happen.
Pogs I am with you. Grew up on dirt and farms, so comfortable on it.
Doc yes been showered a few times recently... hence shattered light bar on roof!
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When there is no one else around, why not?
Fair enough.
KB
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We have done a few thousand Kay's on gravel lately and I'm with you black pig I let faster people past and appreciate the same courtesy.
I don't speed on gravel, growing up in Tassie I am comfortable on gravel.
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Pogasauras I agree with you, dirt roads were all I drove for years, and I have always traveled at a reasonable pace. But if some one catches me I have no problem pulling over to let them go. But if I have to work to pass, as they sit in the middle of the road, the rocks my old girl will spit out going past won't be pleasant. >:D
Black-pig when I traveled around last time I also found sitting under 90 was the best on fuel, and as I was in no hurry to get anywhere if some one came up behind I just pulled over and let them go, after all I was a gray nomad in training so I never really had a destination I was trying to get to.
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And turn your headlights on, please folks.
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I'm one of those who aren't that keen on pulling over.
I'm pretty confident driving on dirt, if the surface is good enough I have no problem with poking along at 90 or 100 km/h. But if I'm going at that speed and I have some clown ripping up behind me I'm pretty sure he would fall into the 'idiot' category, so he can sit behind me for a while. Unless you are on a rally track I can't see how it can be safe going any faster on a loose surface.
My biggest peeve however is people who don't pull to the side when going past an oncoming vehicle. CARAVANS ARE BY FAR THE WORST FOR THIS. I've got into the habit now of staying bang in the middle of the road until they pull over, and then I will.
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.......... I've got into the habit now of staying bang in the middle of the road until they pull over, and then I will.
It's gunna be interesting when you meet someone coming towards you that does the same thing.......... :o
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It's ok he has 6B&S ;D
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It's gunna be interesting when you meet someone coming towards you that does the same thing.......... :o
That was my first thought
Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!
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It's gunna be interesting when you meet someone coming towards you that does the same thing.......... :o
Had that situation on the Gulf trip, worked out OK. I should add I mostly do it to caravanners.
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I'm one of those who aren't that keen on pulling over.
I'm pretty confident driving on dirt, if the surface is good enough I have no problem with poking along at 90 or 100 km/h. But if I'm going at that speed and I have some clown ripping up behind me I'm pretty sure he would fall into the 'idiot' category, so he can sit behind me for a while.
What you're really saying is that you can't go that fast, so he shouldn't be either. On the other hand, when you come up behind people doing 60-70, do you curse them for not pulling over, because you know you're quite capable of doing 90-100? They probably think the same way about you. :cheers:
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Had that situation on the Gulf trip, worked out OK. I should add I mostly do it to caravanners.
How close did it get, and who blinked?..... ;D
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I always let faster people go past, when you hold them up it generally ends with them doing something stupid anyway. I don't care let em go, and I keep going on my merry little way.
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I always let faster people go past, when you hold them up it generally ends with them doing something stupid anyway. I don't care let em go, and I keep going on my merry little way.
Possibly the wisest words so far. It's not up to an individual driver to "teach a lesson" to another, or slow them up because in their opinion they are already going fast enuff. On single lane roads, if you can't do the posted limit, and there are vehicles behind you, and its safe to do so, then pull over and let them by. Will it matter tomorrow? No. If you pull up beside their wreck in an accident 5k up the road is it your fault? No. So why worry, there will always br slower & faster drivers.
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Possibly the wisest words so far. It's not up to an individual driver to "teach a lesson" to another, or slow them up because in their opinion they are already going fast enuff. On single lane roads, if you can't do the posted limit, and there are vehicles behind you, and its safe to do so, then pull over and let them by. Will it matter tomorrow? No. If you pull up beside their wreck in an accident 5k up the road is it your fault? No. So why worry, there will always br slower & faster drivers.
Yes, but being the first on scene when they do cock it up, ain't pretty I can assure you.
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Yes, but being the first on scene when they do cock it up, ain't pretty I can assure you.
Well aware of this, my wife is a cop who has attended many fatal traffic accidents, but that still doesn't make it your obligation to attempt to moderate others behaviour. Vigilantes on the road are no better than those they try to stop. You can't be held responsible for other peoples actions in life. By extension of your theory if I walk into a stock market trading centre and see what "I perceive" to he someone.buying bad shares I should walk over and swat them on the head till they reversed their buy.
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Well aware of this, my wife is a cop who has attended many fatal traffic accidents, but that still doesn't make it your obligation to attempt to moderate others behaviour. Vigilantes on the road are no better than those they try to stop. You can't be held responsible for other peoples actions in life. By extension of your theory if I walk into a stock market trading centre and see what "I perceive" to he someone.buying bad shares I should walk over and swat them on the head till they reversed their buy.
Hear hear
Sure there's dipShits in every walk of life, but to take the line that you know better and force others to sit behind you because they happen to be a little more comfortable at 5km faster than you is arrogant crap. Has it ever occured to the old mate earlier in his post that the people coming up behind him might be in a vehicle that has gearing that suits a speed a bit faster than his car? Perhaps forcing them to drop 5km means making them shuffle back and forth between gears instead of sitting in 4th or top all the time. Perhaps there's someone in the car that has been snakebit and needs to get the hell back to town, or is having an asthma attack. Wanker
And for the fool who thinks it's ok to play chicken with caravanners, has it ever occured to you that forcing them to pull a 3.5t van into the marbles and off camber shoulders is downright dangerous and that's they they're not moving over in the first place? Maybe it's not arrogance on their part but fear??
But yes, when i'm on the open road driving one of my MANY types of vehicles (usually a truck, or a diesel 4x4) i can't stand people who are driving slow who refuse to periodically pull over and let the 1km tailback of traffic go through. Now i don't expect everyone to have the horsepower or desire to drive at 100, but i know myself i'll pull over and let them past so it's good enough for them too.
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What you're really saying is that you can't go that fast, so he shouldn't be either. On the other hand, when you come up behind people doing 60-70, do you curse them for not pulling over, because you know you're quite capable of doing 90-100? They probably think the same way about you. :cheers:
Actually I knock the box back a cog and slow down to stay out of their dust. I totally detest getting showered with stones, so I avoid doing it to others.
And for the fool who thinks it's ok to play chicken with caravanners, has it ever occured to you that forcing them to pull a 3.5t van into the marbles and off camber shoulders is downright dangerous and that's they they're not moving over in the first place? Maybe it's not arrogance on their part but fear??
So them not being able to follow basic road rules allows them to force me off the road with my 2t camper in tow? Give me an effing break. If they can't get off the road like everyone else then they can stay the hell home.
They can do what I do, slow down and move over to make room. At a slower speed they can maintain control of the van, that's called using their brains. Coming at me in the middle of the road sitting on 80 odd km/h expecting me to pull over because they don't feel like pulling over is stupid.
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So them not being able to follow basic road rules allows them to force me off the road with my 2t camper in tow? Give me an effing break. If they can't get off the road like everyone else then they can stay the hell home.
To throw your arguement back at you, does it then give you the right to then assume that all other vanners will do the same thing and play chicken with them?
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Breathe in... Now out.
There doesn't that feel better?
Sent from the machine that goes..... Bing!
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sorry, should have explained myself betterer............
Unfortunately, the majority of travellers out there don't have the skills or ability to deal with an incident nor carry communication let alone an adequate first aid kit in remote travel.
A friend had to deal with a roll over where the driver was ejected and under the 4wd.
A 2 hour time frame for emergency services to arrive is something to think about.
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To throw your arguement back at you, does it then give you the right to then assume that all other vanners will do the same thing and play chicken with them?
My earlier comment was somewhat tongue in cheek, yes I pull over when I see them approaching, usually a good distance away. What I find (usually with caravans) is that they simply don't move, let alone slow down. With many single lane roads as I'm sure you are aware there is a fair roll off on the edges, so there isn't that much room to get off and let them pass, especially with the camper on. This is when I usually start flashing lights and move more to the centre. Usually they get the message.
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I guess it's simple, treat people (other road users) how you would like to be treated. Some of my simple ways on the road...
1. If someone is traveling quicker then I, I will assist them where I can to let them go. I don't need the heart ache of a clown behind me becoming more impatient and make a risky pass. Let them go and if that means pull over, so be it.
2. If I am traveling faster than another driver. Firstly, headlights one so they can see you in the dust, pull over to the far right hind quarter of the vehicle in front, not too close. This is to ensure he can see you. Try calling him on UHF to inform of intention to pass. Give him enough time to see you and your intention, should he not slow down or move over to let you go, well, it's on him when I pass if I shower him with rocks.
3. If single lane, I'm more than happy for the other vehicle to stay on bitumen and I get fully off the road. That way he isn't showering me with rocks.
4. Road trains, I stop and get off the road as far as I can for these guys. It's not worth it....
5. Drive to the conditions
6. Did I say, headlights on.......:-)
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Hi Black Pig
I must state that I am one who has intentionally stopped people from getting past me on the Tanami, and there has been a damned good reason for doing it. People who travel at ridiculous speeds on roads like the Tanami are accidents waiting to happen, and I have attended enough accidents as part of the Desert Rescue Service to never want to again.
If I see someone behind me, catching up really quickly, I will, quite intentionally, allow them to suck dust for a while, to make them slow down. Unless you know aroad like the back of your hand, why go fast, and nobody knows gravels that well, as they seem to constantly change.
Just my opinion and what I do.
Regards
Tjupurula
I agree some may travel at ridiculous speeds but what is a good speed for you, based on your car, may not be good for others. While every one likes to heap **** on a Pajero they are quitegood on that stuff simply because they are not a live axle vehicle so the front end does not 'chatter' half as bad, I know this as I have a few of my mates that also say the same after trying ours. Personalty I hate it when people get in my way based on their opinions on my ability. I see it to often that people are more likely to destroy their cars from traveling with tyre pressure to high and speeds to low. I'm not saying going 100 miles and hour but 80K on the Tanami over the last 3 weeks for example, is too slow in a lot of places. I'd hope people use their brains though, but I don't think it' your place to stop in the middle of the road as that's also dangerous - in my opinion. I see this a lot on the Cape Leveque road as well where people are just going to slow and every corrugation is felt.
But is some one wants to go past then I stop an have a look a round for 15 mins to let the dust settle. It's big place so what's 15 mins when you've just spent 8 hours to get from Broome to Balgo
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Hi Steve
8 hours from Broome to Balgo, get the lead out of your boot mate.
That trip, which I have done several times, takes me close to 12 or 13 hours, but then, we have family in ome of the smaller communities as well, Kupitiya, Wangkajunka, Ngumpan, Moongardie, Yirili, Baylu and Mindi Rardi plus others.
Regards
Tjupurula
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I guess it's simple, treat people (other road users) how you would like to be treated. Some of my simple ways on the road...
1. If someone is traveling quicker then I, I will assist them where I can to let them go. I don't need the heart ache of a clown behind me becoming more impatient and make a risky pass. Let them go and if that means pull over, so be it.
2. If I am traveling faster than another driver. Firstly, headlights one so they can see you in the dust, pull over to the far right hind quarter of the vehicle in front, not too close. This is to ensure he can see you. Try calling him on UHF to inform of intention to pass. Give him enough time to see you and your intention, should he not slow down or move over to let you go, well, it's on him when I pass if I shower him with rocks.
3. If single lane, I'm more than happy for the other vehicle to stay on bitumen and I get fully off the road. That way he isn't showering me with rocks.
4. Road trains, I stop and get off the road as far as I can for these guys. It's not worth it....
5. Drive to the conditions
6. Did I say, headlights on.......:-)
x2 - also if someone is up my A$$, I will let them know if the road is clear for overtaking.
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We have done a few thousand Kay's on gravel lately and I'm with you black pig I let faster people past and appreciate the same courtesy.
I don't speed on gravel, growing up in Tassie I am comfortable on gravel.
you did not pull over for me
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I sit on around 150km/hr people in front have no choice but to pull over
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I sit on around 150km/hr people in front have no choice but to pull over
I didn't pull over for you because I was doing 160 ;)
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I didn't pull over for you because I was doing 160 ;)
;D
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3. If single lane, I'm more than happy for the other vehicle to stay on bitumen and I get fully off the road. That way he isn't showering me with rocks.
4. Road trains, I stop and get off the road as far as I can for these guys. It's not worth it....
Each to their own, but in my experience if you pull over all they do is put the foot down and shower you with stones anyway. I'll keep three wheels firmly on the black stuff, they can do the same.
I think you would be mad not pulling over for road trains though - in fact many of them will pull a bit over to spare you a shower.
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Hi Steve
8 hours from Broome to Balgo, get the lead out of your boot mate.
That trip, which I have done several times, takes me close to 12 or 13 hours, but then, we have family in ome of the smaller communities as well, Kupitiya, Wangkajunka, Ngumpan, Moongardie, Yirili, Baylu and Mindi Rardi plus others.
Regards
Tjupurula
Yea, not sure why I wrote 8 hours ;D, was not that quick I assure you. We do 7 to Halls creek and then 3.5 to Balgo. Most of the time made u is from here to Halls. I find the Tanami is good at the moment for 100 in a lot of places but you have to watch out as it can and does change, real quick.
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Possibly the wisest words so far. It's not up to an individual driver to "teach a lesson" to another, or slow them up because in their opinion they are already going fast enuff. On single lane roads, if you can't do the posted limit, and there are vehicles behind you, and its safe to do so, then pull over and let them by. Will it matter tomorrow? No. If you pull up beside their wreck in an accident 5k up the road is it your fault? No. So why worry, there will always br slower & faster drivers.
x3 Not my issue if an Overtaker needs an Undertaker when I've done the right thing.
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Off topic a little but having ridden motorcycles out west for a few years I always hoped any oncoming vehicles would stay on centre & I would deviate. Not many did, thinking they were doing the right thing, but having a shower of goolies come at you on a bike is somewhat unpleasant >:(. (If you can't handle the surface transition on your bike you shouldn't be riding out there)
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There's a hell of a lot of people floating around the blue planet who's opinion of themselves outstrips their abilities.
I strenuously adhere to the notion that it is not my place to teach other motorists a lesson, regardless of the circumstance.
Its a bit disconcerting to hear comments in relation to spraying other vehicles with stones, and other aggressive techniques apparently being deployed towards other drivers.
Another point, and this relates to my first sentence; opinions and abilities. I'm not going to get into an argument about someone else's perceived driving prowess, either on or off the bitumen. But alarm bells always start ringing when someone starts hitting me with fig-jam.
Some people need to get in touch with their kind Buddhist nature prior to taking control of a motor vehicle.
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I strenuously adhere to the notion that it is not my place to teach other motorists a lesson, regardless of the circumstance.
Fully agree.
If somebody wants to pass, let them go for it. I will facilitate their passing at my first opportunity. Even if it means I need to pull off the road.
KB
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I guess it's simple, treat people (other road users) how you would like to be treated. Some of my simple ways on the road...
1. If someone is traveling quicker then I, I will assist them where I can to let them go. I don't need the heart ache of a clown behind me becoming more impatient and make a risky pass. Let them go and if that means pull over, so be it.
2. If I am traveling faster than another driver. Firstly, headlights one so they can see you in the dust, pull over to the far right hind quarter of the vehicle in front, not too close. This is to ensure he can see you. Try calling him on UHF to inform of intention to pass. Give him enough time to see you and your intention, should he not slow down or move over to let you go, well, it's on him when I pass if I shower him with rocks.
3. If single lane, I'm more than happy for the other vehicle to stay on bitumen and I get fully off the road. That way he isn't showering me with rocks.
4. Road trains, I stop and get off the road as far as I can for these guys. It's not worth it....
5. Drive to the conditions
6. Did I say, headlights on.......:-)
X2
Fully agree.
If somebody wants to pass, let them go for it. I will facilitate their passing at my first opportunity. Even if it means I need to pull off the road.
KB
X2
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I sit on around 150km/hr people in front have no choice but to pull over
Is that whilst towing your CT? I'd like to know your fuel consumption at that speed!!
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Is that whilst towing your CT? I'd like to know your fuel consumption at that speed!!
fuel consumption is not an issue it is the beer consumption that is the issue as the longer I am on the road the more beer I drink so I have to get to the destination as quick as possible as if I run out of beer whilst driving I will not know what to do to fill in the time.
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I guess it's simple, treat people (other road users) how you would like to be treated. Some of my simple ways on the road...
1. If someone is traveling quicker then I, I will assist them where I can to let them go. I don't need the heart ache of a clown behind me becoming more impatient and make a risky pass. Let them go and if that means pull over, so be it.
2. If I am traveling faster than another driver. Firstly, headlights one so they can see you in the dust, pull over to the far right hind quarter of the vehicle in front, not too close. This is to ensure he can see you. Try calling him on UHF to inform of intention to pass. Give him enough time to see you and your intention, should he not slow down or move over to let you go, well, it's on him when I pass if I shower him with rocks.
3. If single lane, I'm more than happy for the other vehicle to stay on bitumen and I get fully off the road. That way he isn't showering me with rocks.
4. Road trains, I stop and get off the road as far as I can for these guys. It's not worth it....
5. Drive to the conditions
6. Did I say, headlights on.......:-)
Couldn't agree more.
Even on the black stuff I tend to cruise along around the 90 kph mark, and as you can imagine a lot of vehicles come up behind. I then tend to speed up to 100 kph until a passing opportunity comes along. After the vehicle has gone I slow down again and all is sweet. I also like to flash my headlights to let the semi's know they can pull back in.
On the dirt is similar, but at a reduced speed usually. The thing that fills me with fear however is seeing a Britz vehicle coming the other way. Even if I stop as far off the road as I can get I still seem to get hammered by a wall of flying rocks. I have given up worrying about it now and just see it as another outback hazard.
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fuel consumption is not an issue it is the beer consumption that is the issue as the longer I am on the road the more beer I drink so I have to get to the destination as quick as possible as if I run out of beer whilst driving I will not know what to do to fill in the time.
Hahahahahaha
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I don't think I've ever been caught on the dirt... I regularly drive on dirt roads, but I'd be one of the fastest in this area and it is very quiet. If I catch someone I generally just sit back out of the dust unless they are ~30km/h+ slower than I'd go. Normally only short trips though, longer trips I'd be wanting to pass with less speed difference. If someone were to catch me I'd certainly move over, they'd either be insane or have a bloody good reason, either way I don't want to be in their way.
When someone is coming the other way I slow down and move over, or stop if I've got a lot of room where I am and not much where we'd be passing.
On the tar I always moved over or pulled off when on L/P plates and had to travel under the limit and there weren't any over-taking opportunities for anyone stuck behind me. If I'm at the limit, I'll only do it if I think the person behind is either at risk of making a stupid passing move or is a danger to me being back there. Won't bother overtaking unless there is plenty of clear open road that I can see. Better late than late
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Reminds me of a story from a workmates who went out to the Birdsville races.
Coming back he got stuck behind a slow vehicle that wouldn't let him around for quite some time so he wound his Patrol (white in colour) up and shot around the guy ending up showering that car with rocks.
He was just about to leave Windorah after fuelling up when the slow car pulled up and the driver came strutting over a bit wound up and agro.
Before this guy can say anything and Quick as a flash the patrol driver says, did you see that guy in the white patrol, drove past me at 100 mph and showered me with stones, lucky I didn't do a window!
Old mate looked at him funny and said yeh wait till I catch him, I give him what for.
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I just love it when I have fools come towards me on narrow roads, when driving the B-double. The locals will pull off the road and the city clowns want too argue, I win. ;D
You don't slow down coming towards me and you won't get courtesy from me, or room. >:D
Foo
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I made my post earlier, not because I am a vigilante, nor because I want to control anyone. Most people who travel the roads around here are either family or in laws, and the only time when they drive at crazy speeds is when they have had too much to drink. I will never applogise for slowing them down intentionally, and the amount of times other people that have been in the car have come and thanked me has made it worthwhile. People can make all the comments and judgements they want, but more than 90 % of the traffic around here is from the communities, Balgo, Billiluna or Mulan, and I will do anything to stop them getting hurt or killed.
Tjupurula
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This is a subject that is very frustrating for me and my wife and most of the long term workers up here on the gulf.
We live 460km from the nearest consistent stretch of tar. We often travel the Bourke Dev Rd a lot.
So we know it very well , we know most of the road crews and all of the water tanker drivers.
I dont like sitting in the dust of a 4wd or even a CT when they are doing 50/60kmph on a road thats a Hwy compared to most.
I like to sit out so I can see their car and they can see me behind with my lights on. I often call them on the radio on UHF40 as the road has signs saying for travellers to use CH40 so they can hear Road trains at the call points.
Most of these guys have massive antenna on the car but failure to switch them on or use the Channel designated by the road.
These people often get a surprise when I go past and they are not expecting it.
I know the road VERY WELL. These people dont use the radio or check their mirrors......I always give everyone the opportunity to pay attention and answer their radio....most do, but some don't.
I understand some might find that annoying......but I live here and drive these roads in all manner of vehicles every day so Im aware of the conditions better than the guys dust I'm Sucking.
When country folk goto the city and often drive slower and change lanes last minute as they are not so sure about where the are going its a split second before somebody is on the horn and shouting abuse out the window as they go round ......
C'est la Vie.... :laugh:
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I made my post earlier, not because I am a vigilante, nor because I want to control anyone. Most people who travel the roads around here are either family or in laws, and the only time when they drive at crazy speeds is when they have had too much to drink. I will never applogise for slowing them down intentionally, and the amount of times other people that have been in the car have come and thanked me has made it worthwhile. People can make all the comments and judgements they want, but more than 90 % of the traffic around here is from the communities, Balgo, Billiluna or Mulan, and I will do anything to stop them getting hurt or killed.
Tjupurula
That is a commendable attitude, just remember that you may not always know the other driver, or how they may react to any actions you take to "control" their driving behaviour. Maybe its different out bush, and I would certainly defer to your experience in that regard, but from what I have seen in 23 years on the roads is that any slowing, horn blowing or lane hogging is just as likely to piss the other driver off as it is likely to modify their behaviour. And pissed off drivers instigate road rage and do things that arent safe, at least from what I have seen. One of these pissed off drivers may just decide that you need behaviour modification, and even though you have done nothing wrong you may find yourself face down in the very dust you are trying to dissipate. There is always someone tougher, regardless of how well you can handle yourself, and aggravated people do unpredictable things. I have seen road rage incidents end in fist-i-cuffs, simply by way of one driver trying to teach another lesson by not letting them merge when they were trying to push in. I wish you all the best with your approach, just be mindful of the possible outcomes to it...
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That is a commendable attitude, just remember that you may not always know the other driver, or how they may react to any actions you take to "control" their driving behaviour. Maybe its different out bush, and I would certainly defer to your experience in that regard, but from what I have seen in 23 years on the roads is that any slowing, horn blowing or lane hogging is just as likely to piss the other driver off as it is likely to modify their behaviour. And pissed off drivers instigate road rage and do things that arent safe, at least from what I have seen. One of these pissed off drivers may just decide that you need behaviour modification, and even though you have done nothing wrong you may find yourself face down in the very dust you are trying to dissipate. There is always someone tougher, regardless of how well you can handle yourself, and aggravated people do unpredictable things. I have seen road rage incidents end in fist-i-cuffs, simply by way of one driver trying to teach another lesson by not letting them merge when they were trying to push in. I wish you all the best with your approach, just be mindful of the possible outcomes to it...
Out here it is very different. If I do not know the vehicle, they can do what they please, but we do tend to know 99% of the vehicles from these communities. I am not an aggressive person, and could not fight may way out of a wet paper bag, I do however care about the people here in the communities.
Regards
Tjupurula