Wouldnt say must have ! But I wouldnt go without mine ! The trucked will let you know when they are passing or turning when in front ! Found them to be ultra safe ! Telling me or asking if I was in the motorhome behind ? Said in two ks they are turning off . Etc . Another is roads works, revenue cameras , wide loads , vehicle breakdowns , even emergency landing of fly doctors on main outback roads ! Have small hand held when reversing ! The hand held receives through main CB . On quiet seperate band . So observer can see and I can hear ! Used properly they are SAFE ! We are mainly just not aware how they can be used ! Even calling everyone in for dinner etc when on walkabout !
Lostone said
02:35 PM Apr 19, 2021
Whenarewethere wrote:
Tony LEE wrote:
To Peter's two good points, I would add - look out for the 200 metres of road in front and let the bloke behind sort out his own problems....... The last thing I want as a heavy vehicle driver is someone in front trying to help me get past when they have no clue about the performance of my vehicle.
We travel at about 95, if we see a truck coming up behind us & if the road is awkward for overtaking we speed up to 100 so not to slow them down. When the road is long & clear for a truck, B-double etc to overtake we return to 95 & put on the left indicator.
Pretty much everytime we get a thank you from the truck.
That is very dangerous advice to be sharing. Speeding up and slowing down in front of a heavy vehicle doesnt do anyone a favour. Its better for you to maintain a steady speed and let the heavy vehicle make his own decision when to overtake. Indictators are for direction change, not overtaking.
Whenarewethere said
04:17 PM Apr 19, 2021
We are not doing it in front of the truck. I do actually use the mirrors to see what is is in the distance. Not difficult stuff.
Whenarewethere said
04:19 PM Apr 19, 2021
You get a left right left right from the truck to say thank you.
yobarr said
06:56 PM Apr 19, 2021
Whenarewethere wrote:
Tony LEE wrote:
To Peter's two good points, I would add - look out for the 200 metres of road in front and let the bloke behind sort out his own problems....... The last thing I want as a heavy vehicle driver is someone in front trying to help me get past when they have no clue about the performance of my vehicle.
We travel at about 95, if we see a truck coming up behind us & if the road is awkward for overtaking we speed up to 100 so not to slow them down. When the road is long & clear for a truck, B-double etc to overtake we return to 95 & put on the left indicator.
Pretty much everytime we get a thank you from the truck.
Absolutely excellent behaviour,as this allows 100kmh speed-limited trucks to safely overtake those vehicles that choose to travel at a speed that is lower than the speed limit. As you obviously realise,trucks rely on momentum to maintain their speed,and some clown travelling at 80kmh with no understanding of this makes overtaking almost impossible.The indicator advice is great,although truckies generally have greater visibility than do car drivers.At least it shows us that you are aware of our presence,and are doing your best to help.Many drivers are totally unaware of their surroundings .....these people are an absolute danger on the road.Cheers.
Lostone said
06:44 AM Apr 20, 2021
Gees yobarr we must live on different planets!! I would much rather be stuck behind a caravan doing a constant 80ks than a clown sitting on 95 speeding up and down thinking its up to him when I overtake. Overtaking a vehicle travelling at 95 is near impossible in a 100 kmh speed limited truck. Obviously the best case scenario here is for both vehicles to be in contact via uhf.
Seeing a vehicle speeding up, slowing down, flashing indicators instantly puts me on high alert, wondering what the dickhead is going to do next !!!
Rob Driver said
07:52 AM Apr 20, 2021
Lostone wrote:
Gees yobarr we must live on different planets!! I would much rather be stuck behind a caravan doing a constant 80ks than a clown sitting on 95 speeding up and down thinking its up to him when I overtake. Overtaking a vehicle travelling at 95 is near impossible in a 100 kmh speed limited truck. Obviously the best case scenario here is for both vehicles to be in contact via uhf.
Seeing a vehicle speeding up, slowing down, flashing indicators instantly puts me on high alert, wondering what the dickhead is going to do next !!!
Absolutely good advice.
Comments from some conjures thoughts of highway cowboys in trucks weighing in excess of 60 ton. Other thoughts of vehicles speeding up when a truck is following only creates the situation of the truck driver having no idea what is going to happen when an overtaking manoeuvre is attempted.
If the truck has caught up to you he is travelling faster, so just maintain your speed until he makes the decision to overtake. When he is overtaking and actually out beside you then lift your foot off the accelerator allowing your vehicle to slow enough for the truck to slip by.
Hitting the brakes or speeding up and applying blinkers is not necessary and can be dangerous.
Speeding up as the truck comes up behind you is dangerous and it creates a situation whereby the experienced truck driver then has to re assess the length required to overtake you safely.
As Lostone says, when all else fails, then communicate by UHF radio.
There are a few other truck drivers and retired truck drivers on this forum so maybe if they read this they might like to contribute.
Regards
Rob
Derek Barnes said
08:10 AM Apr 20, 2021
Never rely on indicator advice from the vehicle in front of you to pass the vehicle. We were coming back home from the coast following two large slow semi's. Each of the vehicles indicated for us to pass them on the crest of a hill in a double centre line no passing zone!
On the CB question, they are essential when you are in a convoy. We go on a lot of 4WD trips with our local club and find them invaluable. If you plan on travelling with another caravan they are useful when deciding where to stop and have a break.
We use an Australian made GME CB radio which is mounted under the dash and only has the hand unit visible. It has an OLED display which is easily visible in all lighting conditions and sounds great.
Mike Harding said
08:25 AM Apr 20, 2021
Using the left indicator to indicate to a following vehicle that you consider he may be able to overtake you has been a widely and safely used practice in Europe for decades (right indicator in RHD countries). This practice was started by truck drives and has filtered down to many in the car driving community.
It is not an *instruction* to overtake rather it says "I know you're there and want to go; right now I think it's safe for you to do so, you may wish to take a look and make a decision."
As Yobarr says trucks usually have better forward vision than cars but when towing the caravan I often use it to suggest to following cars they may wish to check for an overtaking possibility, about 50% of cars understand the signal. With following trucks I call them on Ch40 and tell them to go when they wish and I'll slow down for them.
There is a *serious* lack of communication between drivers in Australia, judicious use of indicators and flashing of headlights is an excellent way to convey basic information. I always flash my headlights for about five seconds when pulling out to overtake another vehicle - it is easy to miss a car in the door mirror pulling out from behind, flashing headlights makes it almost impossible for the front vehicle *not* to see you, it is a practice which should be encouraged, again this has been done in Europe for decades.
Rob Driver said
09:15 AM Apr 20, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Using the left indicator to indicate to a following vehicle that you consider he may be able to overtake you has been a widely and safely used practice in Europe for decades (right indicator in RHD countries). This practice was started by truck drives and has filtered down to many in the car driving community.
It is not an *instruction* to overtake rather it says "I know you're there and want to go; right now I think it's safe for you to do so, you may wish to take a look and make a decision."
As Yobarr says trucks usually have better forward vision than cars but when towing the caravan I often use it to suggest to following cars they may wish to check for an overtaking possibility, about 50% of cars understand the signal. With following trucks I call them on Ch40 and tell them to go when they wish and I'll slow down for them.
There is a *serious* lack of communication between drivers in Australia, judicious use of indicators and flashing of headlights is an excellent way to convey basic information. I always flash my headlights for about five seconds when pulling out to overtake another vehicle - it is easy to miss a car in the door mirror pulling out from behind, flashing headlights makes it almost impossible for the front vehicle *not* to see you, it is a practice which should be encouraged, again this has been done in Europe for decades.
Lights and other hand signals have been used by professional truck drivers in Australia for years as a method of communication.
I was amazed as a young boy when I went with my dad in his truck as to how all the drivers knew what was going on around them.
The intro of AM CB negated a lot of these old methods of communication and more so now with UHF.
I believe the use of turn signals for anything but for indication of your intention to turn or as a hazard warning is actually illegal in most states.
The use of High Beam in other situations is a doubtful one as well as I believe in NSW it is acceptable to flash with an intention to overtake but in Victoria one of my drivers was actually fined by a copper parked on the other side of the road in a parking bay for flashing his high beam when he was indicating his intention to overtake. From memory it was something to do with unnecessary use of high beam.
I do know that in many states you will be booked for flashing high beam to indicate a speed camera location ahead.
Maybe the pedantic among us might want to do a full search on the legal use of vehicle lights.
As with most things today we all should move ahead and consider the use of a UHF radio while on the highway is at the least, a safety item. If one decides not to use a UHF radio then many really need professional training on driving while around heavy vehicles.
Regards
Rob
Buzz Lightbulb said
02:41 PM Apr 20, 2021
I remember that a long time ago, using one's right indicator to show that's its safe to overtake became illegal in NSW. The reason was that a person put on their right hand indicator and another vehicle started to overtake, then the vehicle in the front turned right into a road and the two vehicles crashed.
I haven't seen any trickies using their right indicators to show its safe to pass for a long time.
Rob Driver said
03:13 PM Apr 20, 2021
Buzz Lightbulb wrote:
I remember that a long time ago, using one's right indicator to show that's its safe to overtake became illegal in NSW. The reason was that a person put on their right hand indicator and another vehicle started to overtake, then the vehicle in the front turned right into a road and the two vehicles crashed.
I haven't seen any trickies using their right indicators to show its safe to pass for a long time.
A similar incident happened when a motorcyclist thought a caravan was flicking him around and pulled out and the caravan then swung to the right and the bike had nowhere to go but into a very large tree.
Unfortunately the rider was killed.
Many trucking companies have issued strict instructions to their drivers not to use indicators as any signal apart from turning. This practice is sensible and safe and should be adhered to by all motorists.
Regards
Rob
Mike Harding said
03:25 PM Apr 20, 2021
bentaxlebabe wrote:Many trucking companies have issued strict instructions to their drivers not to use indicators as any signal apart from turning. This practice is sensible and safe and should be adhered to by all motorists.
Yet this practice works in much or the rest of the world; this leave one wondering if Australians are stupid or egocentric?
The historic Australian practice of using the *right* indicator to suggest overtaking is safe is certainly stupid beyond belief!
Rob Driver said
03:44 PM Apr 20, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
bentaxlebabe wrote:Many trucking companies have issued strict instructions to their drivers not to use indicators as any signal apart from turning. This practice is sensible and safe and should be adhered to by all motorists.
Yet this practice works in much or the rest of the world; this leave one wondering if Australians are stupid or egocentric?
The historic Australian practice of using the *right* indicator to suggest overtaking is safe is certainly stupid beyond belief!
Or it could be that we in Aus are just setting a safe example. In reality though, when we read some of the misinformation and rubbish relating to using indicators that is stated by some, even in this topic, is it any wonder authorities have outlawed this practice.
Unfortunately I cant comment on the rest of the world as I had not noticed the use of indicators at all in some countries that I have visited and I have never driven a truck overseas at all.
Regards
Rob
Mike Harding said
03:55 PM Apr 20, 2021
>Or it could be that we in Aus are just setting a safe example.
It is a common Australian concept to believe we have it right and the rest of the world has it wrong - this is engendered by insecurity and lack of confidence I think.
>is it any wonder authorities have outlawed this practice.
Rubbish. The practice of using the left indicator to suggest overtaking is viable is commonplace in Australia.
>Unfortunately I cant comment on the rest of the world as I had not noticed the use of indicators at all in some countries that I have visited and I have never driven a truck overseas at all.
I have and it is.
Rob Driver said
06:06 PM Apr 20, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Apology for a double post..
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 06:09:24 PM
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 06:20:13 PM
Rob Driver said
06:12 PM Apr 20, 2021
bentaxlebabe wrote:
Mike Harding wrote:
>Or it could be that we in Aus are just setting a safe example.
It is a common Australian concept to believe we have it right and the rest of the world has it wrong - this is engendered by insecurity and lack of confidence I think.
>is it any wonder authorities have outlawed this practice.
Rubbish. The practice of using the left indicator to suggest overtaking is viable is commonplace in Australia.
>Unfortunately I cant comment on the rest of the world as I had not noticed the use of indicators at all in some countries that I have visited and I have never driven a truck overseas at all.
I have and it is.
Mike,
I offered the information for those who may be driving in Australia. Because you were permitted to use indicators overseas for overtaking does not change the law here.
You may consider it rubbish that the authorities in Australia have outlawed the use of indicators for anything but signalling intention to turn or as a hazard warning but it is fact. Using the indicator as a signal for another driver to overtake is illegal in most states of Australia.
Because some drivers are still using indicators for other reasons other than intended or permitted, doesn't change the law.
Enjoy your next bottle of wine.
Regards
Rob
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 06:09:24 PM
Lostone said
07:34 PM Apr 20, 2021
I started in the transport industry in 1986.
Back then it was a whole different ballgame than it is today. The use of indicators was part of everyday( or should I say night) life.
Mike. All those years ago the use of the LEFT indicator meant stay there. DONT overtake. The RIGHT indicator meant its safe to overtake. Where the hell did the left indicator means overtake come from ??? It is rife among the caravan and Land Rover set. Can you honestly tell us when was the last time you seen a heavy vehicle indicate left to signal you to overtake. I had a caravan left signal me to overtake only today. Was totally ignored because at 91 tonne the pitance offering of straight road in front of us that he thought was enough room to safely overtake was a joke.
Just drive at a constant speed. Let the heavy vehicles decide when to overtake. Is it that hard ???
Lostone said
07:58 PM Apr 20, 2021
Actually after reading Robs posts on this subject it seems he was an old school professional driver as well. Enough to make us a target at many a happy hour !!
-- Edited by Lostone on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 07:59:52 PM
Clarky 1 said
09:47 PM Apr 20, 2021
Hi all,
I am an ex truckie and a fitter buy trade.
I drove interstate and heavy haulage throughout many years of my working career.
I cant add much more to this topic than my recommendation above to get and use a UHF CB radio if travelling.
As far as trucks overtaking vans are concerned, both Rob and Lostone have explained it honestly and truthfully.
If a truck comes up behind you just maintain your speed, forget the use of blinkers to tell the driver when to pass and whatever you do, do not change speed.
Speeding up causes the truck driver to have to re assess both his and your safety when attempting to overtake. Increasing speed increases the time the truck is on the wrong side of the road and the time he is actually next to you and your van.
Slowing down causes the truck driver to slow down and once again he has to re assess the safety of the intended overtaking procedure.
I am fairly new on this site but Rob Bentaxle has offered all on here some very good info about vans travelling with trucks. Although this is not related directly to this topic, some time ago he gave an excellent description of the effects of wind on a van when in the proximity of a large truck. He gave some great safety tips in that topic. The wind is another condition that the professional driver will factor into the passing procedure for both yours and his safety.
The last thing any long distant driver wants is to have a caravan all tangled up along side his trailers.
Anyway enough of that, if you have a UHF CB and a truck comes up behind you, just acknowledge that you are aware he is there, maintain your speed and let the professional decide when to pass.
As Rob said above, when the truck is out beside you then just back off the throttle a bit to allow him to get past quicker. There is no need to brake, flash indicators or even headlights. When the truck is clear of your vehicle just advise the driver on the CB with something likeall clear bring it back mate .
The driver may or may not reply but that doesn't matter as long as the entire passing procedure has been carried out as quickly and as safely as it can be.
Having said that, the majority of drivers will reply with a thanks. Some may even tell you when they are coming around you and some may even continue to chat as they travel away from you.
CBs are a necessary piece of equipment if travelling on the highways and back roads of our country.
Radar said
10:05 PM Apr 20, 2021
Well said Clarky 1.
Yes to CB but not a must have or something you would put your total trust in.
From someone that spent his whole life delivering something from newspapers, telegrams on a bicycle, then parcels in a van to spending 44 years running highways with semis all over the East Coast of Australia with the odd one to the other side.
Clarky 1 said
10:34 PM Apr 20, 2021
Radar wrote:
Well said Clarky 1.
Yes to CB but not a must have or something you would put your total trust in.
From someone that spent his whole life delivering something from newspapers, telegrams on a bicycle, then parcels in a van to spending 44 years running highways with semis all over the East Coast of Australia with the odd one to the other side.
Got to agree with you Radar,
The longer I spent on the eastern seaboard the less I listened to the UHF.
Some nights were unbearable, days, well not so bad. Up the middle and the west were much better.
The Hume was a shocker when it was mainly single lane but places like the Little Sydney Harbour at Holbrook it was a necessity to have the radio on. I am glad we don't have to negotiate that bridge in modern times
I have noticed of more recent times the daytime radio traffic seems to be a lot less than about 10 to 15 years ago.
I am retired and don't travel at night any more...thank goodness.
Mike Harding said
03:59 AM Apr 21, 2021
Lostone wrote:
Can you honestly tell us when was the last time you seen a heavy vehicle indicate left to signal you to overtake.
The last time I was driving outside Melbourne (two weeks ago) a B double on the road SE out of Mildura.
You guys are out of touch.
Rob Driver said
07:32 AM Apr 21, 2021
Lostone wrote:
I started in the transport industry in 1986. Back then it was a whole different ballgame than it is today. The use of indicators was part of everyday( or should I say night) life. Mike. All those years ago the use of the LEFT indicator meant stay there. DONT overtake. The RIGHT indicator meant its safe to overtake. Where the hell did the left indicator means overtake come from ??? It is rife among the caravan and Land Rover set. Can you honestly tell us when was the last time you seen a heavy vehicle indicate left to signal you to overtake. I had a caravan left signal me to overtake only today. Was totally ignored because at 91 tonne the pitance offering of straight road in front of us that he thought was enough room to safely overtake was a joke. Just drive at a constant speed. Let the heavy vehicles decide when to overtake. Is it that hard ???
I can assure everyone on here that the description of the use of indicators by trucks in days gone by, is exactly as Lostone has described above.
NEVER within that old unwritten code was a left turn indicator used by a truckie to indicate to overtake.
There is obviously a misunderstanding by some and that is why the method of indicating has been outlawed in Australia.
Happy Hour can be a dangerous place to receive information.
Regards
Rob
Dougwe said
12:02 PM Apr 21, 2021
I wasn't going to get involved in this but me being me, well,
I was talking to a friend just earlier this morning about this thread and he is a truck driver. He was saying that he was told by truck company bosses early in his career that a quick right indicator to someone behind means they can pass if they want however, a quick left indicate meant not safe to pass. The left is not known by all including me I might add.
I have in the past used right indicator to let a car behind the aluminium tent know they can pass if the want. Never left indicator. I never use indicators to let trucks know. I only communicate with up coming trucks via UHF radio. I do give a flash of headlights when it is safe to come back in to the L/H lane again.
So, I have heard about using indicators to communicate with trucks behind but don't use myself.
As for the original topic of CB radios, I say yes they are an important item to have, in fact, a must item IMO.
I have driven both trucks and coaches including being a transport manager fir many moons in a previous life so aware of both sides of the 'coin'.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Peter_n_Margaret said
12:27 PM Apr 21, 2021
If you do install a UHF radio, have the courtesy to learn the correct protocols of using it and have a list of what usages each channel has. Get that wrong and you could catch a penalty.
Cheers,
Peter
Eaglemax said
01:42 PM Apr 21, 2021
An interesting discussion.
Firstly I no longer use indicators to "indicate" when vehicles behind me can overtake or not. I did cause confusion once and that was the end of my non requested courtesy. Any chance of confusion can be fatal.
Also, while on holidays I want to relax but focussed. Cruising at 90kph (yes I can do much more) I'm relaxed, good fuel economy and focussed on the job at hand. I dont have a radio, rear camera, mounted mobile phone, CD, Apple play, my wife holds the mobile phone trip feature and I certainly wont have a CB radio which would trump all of those as a distraction to me.
I'm constantly glancing in my rear vision mirror but for one reason only- so I can pull over at the next reasonable opportunity to allow faster vehicles to pass. If that opportunity is not for 20kms then so be it. I'm sure a good driver behind me will know that the roadside is not suitable to pull over.
You are welcome to your gadgets. A CB radio is a gadget as it is not compulsory. If you feel you have a need for one then thats your call.
Tony
Lostone said
07:11 PM Apr 21, 2021
Tony.
You have hit the nail on the head. You just continue doing your 90 kmh. Even for 20kms as you eluded to. Im sure a few car drivers will nearly break their necks trying to overtake you. I will sit and wait and pick MY time to overtake. Just continue at your chosen speed. If you feel generous, back off when Im beside you, but I will take into account you wont.
Just suggesting. Think about a two way. Not that distracting. Helps out both parties in the long haul (pardon the pun )
Lostone said
07:25 PM Apr 21, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Lostone wrote:
Can you honestly tell us when was the last time you seen a heavy vehicle indicate left to signal you to overtake.
The last time I was driving outside Melbourne (two weeks ago) a B double on the road SE out of Mildura.
Overtaking truck.
That is very dangerous advice to be sharing. Speeding up and slowing down in front of a heavy vehicle doesnt do anyone a favour. Its better for you to maintain a steady speed and let the heavy vehicle make his own decision when to overtake.
Indictators are for direction change, not overtaking.
We are not doing it in front of the truck. I do actually use the mirrors to see what is is in the distance. Not difficult stuff.
You get a left right left right from the truck to say thank you.
Absolutely excellent behaviour,as this allows 100kmh speed-limited trucks to safely overtake those vehicles that choose to travel at a speed that is lower than the speed limit. As you obviously realise,trucks rely on momentum to maintain their speed,and some clown travelling at 80kmh with no understanding of this makes overtaking almost impossible.The indicator advice is great,although truckies generally have greater visibility than do car drivers.At least it shows us that you are aware of our presence,and are doing your best to help.Many drivers are totally unaware of their surroundings .....these people are an absolute danger on the road.Cheers.
Seeing a vehicle speeding up, slowing down, flashing indicators instantly puts me on high alert, wondering what the dickhead is going to do next !!!
Absolutely good advice.
Comments from some conjures thoughts of highway cowboys in trucks weighing in excess of 60 ton.
Other thoughts of vehicles speeding up when a truck is following only creates the situation of the truck driver having no idea what is going to happen when an overtaking manoeuvre is attempted.
If the truck has caught up to you he is travelling faster, so just maintain your speed until he makes the decision to overtake.
When he is overtaking and actually out beside you then lift your foot off the accelerator allowing your vehicle to slow enough for the truck to slip by.
Hitting the brakes or speeding up and applying blinkers is not necessary and can be dangerous.
Speeding up as the truck comes up behind you is dangerous and it creates a situation whereby the experienced truck driver then has to re assess the length required to overtake you safely.
As Lostone says, when all else fails, then communicate by UHF radio.
There are a few other truck drivers and retired truck drivers on this forum so maybe if they read this they might like to contribute.
Regards
Rob
Never rely on indicator advice from the vehicle in front of you to pass the vehicle. We were coming back home from the coast following two large slow semi's. Each of the vehicles indicated for us to pass them on the crest of a hill in a double centre line no passing zone!
On the CB question, they are essential when you are in a convoy. We go on a lot of 4WD trips with our local club and find them invaluable. If you plan on travelling with another caravan they are useful when deciding where to stop and have a break.
We use an Australian made GME CB radio which is mounted under the dash and only has the hand unit visible. It has an OLED display which is easily visible in all lighting conditions and sounds great.
Using the left indicator to indicate to a following vehicle that you consider he may be able to overtake you has been a widely and safely used practice in Europe for decades (right indicator in RHD countries). This practice was started by truck drives and has filtered down to many in the car driving community.
It is not an *instruction* to overtake rather it says "I know you're there and want to go; right now I think it's safe for you to do so, you may wish to take a look and make a decision."
As Yobarr says trucks usually have better forward vision than cars but when towing the caravan I often use it to suggest to following cars they may wish to check for an overtaking possibility, about 50% of cars understand the signal. With following trucks I call them on Ch40 and tell them to go when they wish and I'll slow down for them.
There is a *serious* lack of communication between drivers in Australia, judicious use of indicators and flashing of headlights is an excellent way to convey basic information. I always flash my headlights for about five seconds when pulling out to overtake another vehicle - it is easy to miss a car in the door mirror pulling out from behind, flashing headlights makes it almost impossible for the front vehicle *not* to see you, it is a practice which should be encouraged, again this has been done in Europe for decades.
Lights and other hand signals have been used by professional truck drivers in Australia for years as a method of communication.
I was amazed as a young boy when I went with my dad in his truck as to how all the drivers knew what was going on around them.
The intro of AM CB negated a lot of these old methods of communication and more so now with UHF.
I believe the use of turn signals for anything but for indication of your intention to turn or as a hazard warning is actually illegal in most states.
http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/sa/consol_reg/arr210/s51.html
The use of High Beam in other situations is a doubtful one as well as I believe in NSW it is acceptable to flash with an intention to overtake but in Victoria one of my drivers was actually fined by a copper parked on the other side of the road in a parking bay for flashing his high beam when he was indicating his intention to overtake. From memory it was something to do with unnecessary use of high beam.
I do know that in many states you will be booked for flashing high beam to indicate a speed camera location ahead.
Maybe the pedantic among us might want to do a full search on the legal use of vehicle lights.
As with most things today we all should move ahead and consider the use of a UHF radio while on the highway is at the least, a safety item.
If one decides not to use a UHF radio then many really need professional training on driving while around heavy vehicles.
Regards
Rob
I remember that a long time ago, using one's right indicator to show that's its safe to overtake became illegal in NSW. The reason was that a person put on their right hand indicator and another vehicle started to overtake, then the vehicle in the front turned right into a road and the two vehicles crashed.
I haven't seen any trickies using their right indicators to show its safe to pass for a long time.
A similar incident happened when a motorcyclist thought a caravan was flicking him around and pulled out and the caravan then swung to the right and the bike had nowhere to go but into a very large tree.
Unfortunately the rider was killed.
Many trucking companies have issued strict instructions to their drivers not to use indicators as any signal apart from turning. This practice is sensible and safe and should be adhered to by all motorists.
Regards
Rob
Yet this practice works in much or the rest of the world; this leave one wondering if Australians are stupid or egocentric?
The historic Australian practice of using the *right* indicator to suggest overtaking is safe is certainly stupid beyond belief!
Or it could be that we in Aus are just setting a safe example.
In reality though, when we read some of the misinformation and rubbish relating to using indicators that is stated by some, even in this topic, is it any wonder authorities have outlawed this practice.
Unfortunately I cant comment on the rest of the world as I had not noticed the use of indicators at all in some countries that I have visited and I have never driven a truck overseas at all.
Regards
Rob
>Or it could be that we in Aus are just setting a safe example.
It is a common Australian concept to believe we have it right and the rest of the world has it wrong - this is engendered by insecurity and lack of confidence I think.
>is it any wonder authorities have outlawed this practice.
Rubbish. The practice of using the left indicator to suggest overtaking is viable is commonplace in Australia.
>Unfortunately I cant comment on the rest of the world as I had not noticed the use of indicators at all in some countries that I have visited and I have never driven a truck overseas at all.
I have and it is.
Apology for a double post..
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 06:09:24 PM
-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 06:20:13 PM
Actually after reading Robs posts on this subject it seems he was an old school professional driver as well. Enough to make us a target at many a happy hour !!
-- Edited by Lostone on Tuesday 20th of April 2021 07:59:52 PM
I am an ex truckie and a fitter buy trade.
I drove interstate and heavy haulage throughout many years of my working career.
I cant add much more to this topic than my recommendation above to get and use a UHF CB radio if travelling.
As far as trucks overtaking vans are concerned, both Rob and Lostone have explained it honestly and truthfully.
If a truck comes up behind you just maintain your speed, forget the use of blinkers to tell the driver when to pass and whatever you do, do not change speed.
Speeding up causes the truck driver to have to re assess both his and your safety when attempting to overtake. Increasing speed increases the time the truck is on the wrong side of the road and the time he is actually next to you and your van.
Slowing down causes the truck driver to slow down and once again he has to re assess the safety of the intended overtaking procedure.
I am fairly new on this site but Rob Bentaxle has offered all on here some very good info about vans travelling with trucks. Although this is not related directly to this topic, some time ago he gave an excellent description of the effects of wind on a van when in the proximity of a large truck. He gave some great safety tips in that topic. The wind is another condition that the professional driver will factor into the passing procedure for both yours and his safety.
The last thing any long distant driver wants is to have a caravan all tangled up along side his trailers.
Anyway enough of that, if you have a UHF CB and a truck comes up behind you, just acknowledge that you are aware he is there, maintain your speed and let the professional decide when to pass.
As Rob said above, when the truck is out beside you then just back off the throttle a bit to allow him to get past quicker. There is no need to brake, flash indicators or even headlights. When the truck is clear of your vehicle just advise the driver on the CB with something likeall clear bring it back mate .
The driver may or may not reply but that doesn't matter as long as the entire passing procedure has been carried out as quickly and as safely as it can be.
Having said that, the majority of drivers will reply with a thanks. Some may even tell you when they are coming around you and some may even continue to chat as they travel away from you.
CBs are a necessary piece of equipment if travelling on the highways and back roads of our country.
Well said Clarky 1.
Yes to CB but not a must have or something you would put your total trust in.
From someone that spent his whole life delivering something from newspapers, telegrams on a bicycle, then parcels in a van to spending 44 years running highways with semis all over the East Coast of Australia with the odd one to the other side.
Got to agree with you Radar,
The longer I spent on the eastern seaboard the less I listened to the UHF.
Some nights were unbearable, days, well not so bad. Up the middle and the west were much better.
The Hume was a shocker when it was mainly single lane but places like the Little Sydney Harbour at Holbrook it was a necessity to have the radio on. I am glad we don't have to negotiate that bridge in modern times
I have noticed of more recent times the daytime radio traffic seems to be a lot less than about 10 to 15 years ago.
I am retired and don't travel at night any more...thank goodness.
The last time I was driving outside Melbourne (two weeks ago) a B double on the road SE out of Mildura.
You guys are out of touch.
I can assure everyone on here that the description of the use of indicators by trucks in days gone by, is exactly as Lostone has described above.
NEVER within that old unwritten code was a left turn indicator used by a truckie to indicate to overtake.
There is obviously a misunderstanding by some and that is why the method of indicating has been outlawed in Australia.
Happy Hour can be a dangerous place to receive information.
Regards
Rob
I was talking to a friend just earlier this morning about this thread and he is a truck driver. He was saying that he was told by truck company bosses early in his career that a quick right indicator to someone behind means they can pass if they want however, a quick left indicate meant not safe to pass. The left is not known by all including me I might add.
I have in the past used right indicator to let a car behind the aluminium tent know they can pass if the want. Never left indicator. I never use indicators to let trucks know. I only communicate with up coming trucks via UHF radio. I do give a flash of headlights when it is safe to come back in to the L/H lane again.
So, I have heard about using indicators to communicate with trucks behind but don't use myself.
As for the original topic of CB radios, I say yes they are an important item to have, in fact, a must item IMO.
I have driven both trucks and coaches including being a transport manager fir many moons in a previous life so aware of both sides of the 'coin'.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Cheers,
Peter
An interesting discussion.
Firstly I no longer use indicators to "indicate" when vehicles behind me can overtake or not. I did cause confusion once and that was the end of my non requested courtesy. Any chance of confusion can be fatal.
Also, while on holidays I want to relax but focussed. Cruising at 90kph (yes I can do much more) I'm relaxed, good fuel economy and focussed on the job at hand. I dont have a radio, rear camera, mounted mobile phone, CD, Apple play, my wife holds the mobile phone trip feature and I certainly wont have a CB radio which would trump all of those as a distraction to me.
I'm constantly glancing in my rear vision mirror but for one reason only- so I can pull over at the next reasonable opportunity to allow faster vehicles to pass. If that opportunity is not for 20kms then so be it. I'm sure a good driver behind me will know that the roadside is not suitable to pull over.
You are welcome to your gadgets. A CB radio is a gadget as it is not compulsory. If you feel you have a need for one then thats your call.
Tony
Yeah. I call bull****.