Radio Chatter

Bas + Eve · Senior Member

Radio Chatter

Mein · Senior Member

Here in Queensland, there are certain regulations that apply to trailers which have a total weight up to 750kg and more onerous regulations that apply to trailers weighing 751kg to 4,500 kg. I think that a case could be made for requiring a licence endorsement to tow trailers in the 751kg to 4,500kg category.

86GTS · Senior Member

How about making it compulsory for all truck drivers to pass an intelligence test in order to obtain/retain their licence?

DMaxer · Guru

I get really tired of people criticising drivers towing a caravan. I have been driving for more than fifty years and I could count on one hand the times I have witnessed dangerous or inconsiderate driving by a caravan driver.

Go for a drive around Coffs Harbour to Grafton via Glenreagh and witness the total imbeciles driving log trucks. If you survive that, try a drive up the Pacific Highway early in the morning when these meth heads in B Doubles are trying to get to Brisbane on time.

The worst I have seen in caravan drivers is probably a few going too slowly or a bit of wayward reversing.. At least they have the cognitive ability to realise they are towing something and that caution is necessary.

I think the majority of truck drivers are considerate and safety conscious. I think the minority though seem to have an inflated opinion of their own capabilities just because they drive a truck. I learned how to drive a truck with a crash gear box when I was just fourteen and on my uncle's farm. I could also drive an International Prime mover when I was sixteen, so that is how hard it is.

yobarr · Guru

DMaxer wrote:
I get really tired of people criticising drivers towing a caravan. I have been driving for more than fifty years and I could count on one hand the times I have witnessed dangerous or inconsiderate driving by a caravan driver.
Go for a drive around Coffs Harbour to Grafton via Glenreagh and witness the total imbeciles driving logging trucks. If you survive that, try a drive up the Pacific Highway early in the morning when these meth heads in B Doubles are trying to get to Brisbane on time.
The worst I have seen in caravan drivers is probably a few going too slowly or a bit of wayward reversing.. At least they have the cognitive ability to realise they are towing something and that caution is necessary.
I think the majority of truck drivers are considerate and safety conscious. I think the minority though seem to have an inflated opinion of their own capabilities just because they drive a truck. I learned how to drive a truck with a crash gear box when I was just fourteen and on my uncle's farm. I could also drive an International Prime mover when I was sixteen, so that is how hard it is.

Would you be kind enough to elaborate on what a "total imbecile" is, and what a driver needs to do to be classed as such?

Could you give examples? What were they doing that you believe was "wrong"? Given your age, I would suggest that the "truck" you steered on your uncle's farm was an old K Model Bedford, or some other such pedal-truck with a 12' tray. Hardly a "truck" by today's standards.

There simply is no sense in comparing your steering, at 20kmh?, of a farmer's little wagon in a paddock, with a professional drivers handling of a 53 metre long 130 ton Roadtrain at 100kmh on public highway, among unpredictable motorists of vastly varying abilities, or lack thereof.

"Probably a few going too slowly" you suggest. You can quite safely change "a few" to "most" with the additional danger of many having absolutely no idea of what's going on around them. White knuckled grasp of steering wheel, hands at 10 to 2 position, staring fixedly straight ahead, oblivious to anything except the road directly in front of their bonnet. This I see regularly.

There are some caravanners who are capable drivers, and they are easily recognised, but they're in the minority.

You may know that over 80% of fatal car/truck accidents are caused by the car driver, and given that many truckies drive 1000km/day, while most car drivers wouldn't average 100km/day, I would suggest that truck drivers' safety records are pretty good.

"Meth heads". Never in my 50 years on trucks have I met such a person.

I'll leave it here before I get started on inconsiderate caravanners. Cheers

The truck below weighs over 200 ton, is 60 metres long, and is used daily on public roads in the North of Western Australia.

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 9th of February 2023 06:18:59 AM

Mein · Senior Member

With or without my van, I very much appreciate truckers giving me a signal that it is safe to overtake, by flashing their right indicator.

With or without my van, I hate caravanners that travel in convoy without leaving a sufficient gap between their vehicles to enable other drivers to overtake in stages.

yobarr · Guru

Mein wrote:
With or without my van, I very much appreciate truckers giving me a signal that it is safe to overtake, by flashing their right indicator.
With or without my van, I hate caravanners that travel in convoy without leaving a sufficient gap between their vehicles to enable other drivers to overtake in stages.

Hi Mein. 'Tis great to see that you are aware of these two common-sense procedures. Well done! Cheers

Les_B · Member

Wait till your towing your van down the road and all of a sudden you have to consider your options as a b double grain truck comes around the corner at you side ways .

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I use my UHF all the time to communicate with trucks and others. What does annoy me is the truck drivers that think they own the roads. I find some road train drivers the worse. Oh well!

Ubique 68 · Veteran Member

Two most aggressive groups in my neck of the woods and, dare I say generally in my experience, are young women/soccer mums and gravel truck drivers. Both groups being on short turnarounds probably leads to their attitude. As for long distance drivers/driving, never had a real issue with them and I hope nor they with me.

Xyz · Veteran Member

There are bad drivers, that is no doubt agreed if not by all of us but the majority if nothing else.

Any one who has done any amount of country driving would have seen their share of bad rv driving, caravanners towing doing dumb things, truckies doing some dangerous things considering the weight they are driving, and god, how many single car drivers with suicidle wishes AND lets not get started on some of the male ego rev heads, females and teenagers who know it all after 10 minutes experience on the roads?!?!?!;:"'xz.

Basical, just bad drivers in every grouping, so, all you PRO caravan drivers, and, PRO truckie drivers just accept you each have your fair share of idiots, except it and get over it. biggrin
Cheers
Ian

yobarr · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
I use my UHF all the time to communicate with trucks and others. What does annoy me is the truck drivers that think they own the roads. I find some Road Train drivers the worsT. . Oh well!

Interesting comment , Doug. Would be interesting to know where you find these Road Train drivers as most Road Train drivers are highly experienced, having passed through the various licence grades to obtain their MC licence. Insurance companies make it hard for trucking companies to employ any driver with a bad history. They are not some jockey in an 8 ton table top who thinks he's a truckie!

Perhaps you're thinking of B Doubles, or the A Doubles found in the Eastern states, limited to about 36 metres, I think? Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 9th of February 2023 09:01:02 AM

DMaxer · Guru

No Yobarr, they weren't "farmer's little wagons" at all. One was a ford Blitz with a flat V8 and the other a Chev Blitz with a six. They had different pedal configurations and weren't easy to drive. When I was 17 I got my initial licence and then upgraded to a truck licence when I was almost 19. Truck driving is an art that requires concentration, coordination and skill. However, as much as you like to big note yourself, it does not require five years at Harvard followed by a further ten at NASA.

Your statistic that 80% of fatal car/truck accidents are caused by car drivers is total rubbish. those statistics do not exist and if they did, they are fictional. Perhaps you might like to publish the source of this information.

One cannot just point to isolated incidents and declare that all drivers in a particular group are useless unless they hold a MC licence. If you wish to look at isolated incidents take at look at the B double driver in the Riverland two weeks ago who crashed with a blood alcohol reading five times over the limit whilst driving a laden B Double. Take a look at that horrible accident in Victoria where the three police officers were hit and killed. The driver of that B Double had a drug reading.

I find the majority of truck drivers, especially those driving long distance, are courteous, friendly and exceptional drivers. I find that when I stop for a break there is always a truck that has overtaken me kilometres behind who is quite happy to have a yarn. I make sure that I make life easier for them by following the correct procedure from when I pick them up in my mirrors until when their rear trailer lights are passed. I get the left right flash so I must be doing it right.

One thing that has surprised me over the years is the number of truck drivers who tow a caravan during their holidays and the number of caravan drivers who are former truck drivers. I imagine these drivers also make up some of the numbers that do dumb things on the road when towing a van.

vince56 · Senior Member

The old story, there is good and bad in all groups, truckies and vanners alike. I reckon if I were driving a truck on major highways all day every day there wold be times where caravanners drive you nuts not being courteous or having common sense. On the other hand I have been harassed by trucks many times with them being just outright thugs and bullies but I still try to help their cause. It should be kept in mind that they are driving a truck for a living for good reason....

hufnpuf · Senior Member

What xyz said, there are bad drivers in every category of driver, every age group, every ethnicity, every gender. Inexperienced drivers can carry more risk because of the things they haven't yet learned, but even then there are good and bad.

Some truck drivers do have super skills that I appreciate. When I was in Tassie, I could hear a conversation on the UHF. There was a driver delivering heavy machinery to a property, they were discussing how they were going to get it there. The property concerned was up a steep, curving driveway/access road, I don't think it was sealed and there was mud everywhere. It was icy. They are speaking about it like it's a normal day, I'm looking as I approached going "no way!". I really admire Tassie truck drivers having to negotiate the mountain, winding roads. Here we have long and straight. Skill needed, but you aren't negotiating bends while heading uphill.

Why do people focus on the negative and go on about mistakes or stupidity or incompetence of some people instead of positive and noteworthy skills and ability?

As for truckies denigrating caravanners, if it gets them through their long boring job at the wheel all day, so what? We all blow off steam in sometimes inappropriate ways.

deverall11 · Guru

vince56 wrote:
The old story, there is good and bad in all groups, truckies and vanners alike. I reckon if I were driving a truck on major highways all day every day there wold be times where caravanners drive you nuts not being courteous or having common sense. On the other hand I have been harassed by trucks many times with them being just outright thugs and bullies but I still try to help their cause. It should be kept in mind that they are driving a truck for a living for good reason....

During our time travelling, we found most truck drivers well behaved as soon as you made contact via UHF. It reassured them that you were aware they were there

and by default willing to co-operate with overtaking. Colourful language was heard when caravaners seemed either oblivious they were there

or did not know what to do.

We have always used the fact that they are working and we are on holidays. Whence you understand they need to get to their destination

by a certain time, the idea is to work with them by communicating via the radio.

Having said that, we came across a number of caravaners/motorhome with name and UHF 18 plastered on the rear and, wait for it, NO reply

when call on the radio. Why bother if your not going to use/reply on the radio. Mind you they got the message when an LC200 with a 24' van

overtook them together with a thank you sign.

yobarr · Guru

DMaxer wrote:
No Yobarr, they weren't "farmer's little wagons" at all. One was a ford Blitz with a flat V8 and the other a Chev Blitz with a six. They had different pedal configurations and weren't easy to drive. When I was 17 I got my initial licence and then upgraded to a truck licence when I was almost 19. Truck driving is an art that requires concentration, coordination and skill. However, as much as you like to big note yourself , it does not require five years at Harvard followed by a further ten at NASA.
Your statistic that 80% of fatal car/truck accidents are caused by car drivers is total rubbish. those statistics do not exist and if they did, they are fictional. Perhaps you might like to publish the source of this information.

"Total rubbish" you say? Unfortunately I presently cannot find the more detailed figures I have in my files that show the "At Fault" percentage in fatal car v truck crashes to be 85%, but this will at least give you an idea. Not "total rubbish", as you attest, but indeed FACT.

Strange that a person who claims to be a lawyer doesn't at least check facts?

Ford Blitz and Chev Blitz both are "trucks" I've driven. Loved the old flathead V8 screaming its head off through straight pipes as we climbed and descended hills offroad, and battled through a sea of mud and water. For this reason I preferred the Ford.

With a carrying capacity of only 3 ton, and top speed of 40mph (65kmh), by today's standards, they're hardly "trucks", surely you'd agree?

"Big note yourself", you say. If this is your impression, so be it, but all I've ever done is tell that driving Road Trains is something that I choose to do at the moment, NOT because I am too dumb to do anything else.

Indeed, I went to University, as you may have done, and I have a wide range of skills. Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 9th of February 2023 07:31:23 PM

DMaxer · Guru

I have seen those figures before Yobarr. They are an assessment by an insurance company. They do not have access to every truck and car fatality in Australia but relate to claims made against them via comprehensive and third party claims that they have either approved or contested.

yobarr · Guru

DMaxer wrote:
I have seen those figures before Yobarr. They are an assessment by an insurance company. They do not have access to every truck and car fatality in Australia but relate to claims made against them via comprehensive and third party claims that they have either approved or contested.

Did you not see that these figures were released by the National Truck Accident Research Centre? As stated, I have further info somewhere in my files, but can't find it at moment.

Personal experience would suggest that these figures are close to correct.Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 9th of February 2023 12:45:36 PM

Xyz · Veteran Member

Yobar, you are so bias towards truck drivers, how do you fit behind your BIG
rig and still have room for your angel wings, really

Just accept, THERE, are bad truck drivers as well, even with ALL their training. biggrin

WE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED THEM confuse

Ian

yobarr · Guru

Xyz wrote:
Yobar, you are so bias towards truck drivers, how do you fit behind your BIG
rig and still have room for your angel wings, really
Just accept, THERE, are bad truck drivers as well, even with ALL their training.
WE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED THEM
Ian

Unfortunately, Ian, the average motorist wouldn't have a clue what is the difference between a good truck driver and a bad truck driver.

I am eagerly awaiting a response to my question where I asked DMaxer to elaborate on what a " total imbecile " truck driver is, along with details of any incidents he has observed.

Bad truck drivers don't last in jobs as companies are very quick to act on proven complaints.

Trucks have "Do not overtake turning vehicle" signs displayed at the rear of trailers, but still we get motorists trying to sneak down the left side of trucks that clearly are indicating that they wish to turn left. When the motorists finally realise that they must either stop, or get their cars run over, they bleat to anybody silly enough to listen that the truck driver has "cut me off". This is just one of the many things that motorists seem not to understand, but to cover others would take hours. However, two of these things were mentioned earlier in this thread by Mein, who clearly has a better understanding than many. Cheers

DMaxer · Guru

Yobarr, the NTARC is financed and run by NTI, National Truck Insurance, who are owned by CGU Insurance and another insurance company. It is based on their claims, those accepted and those rejected. It is in there financial interest to hold others to account rather than their own insured.

There is no accurate blanket way of saying there were x amount of fatal car/truck accidents and 80% of the time they were caused by the car driver. Negligence is always apportioned and even if one driver has done something stupid there is also the possibility of contribution from the other driver.

In regards to your question regarding "imbecile truck drivers", I have experienced them on a weekly basis on the Coffs Harbour by pass through Glenreagh. The log trucks along that road are absolutely frightening. I had that many near misses I will not travel on that road anymore.

In regards to other observances let me just say this. I know first hand because I have represented them. I would love a quid for every time I have heard a judge or magistrate say " Of course I understand what the loss of your client's licence will mean to him. I will give it the same consideration he did".

-- Edited by DMaxer on Thursday 9th of February 2023 01:12:08 PM

Xyz · Veteran Member

Yobar you are just arguing for the sake of arguing, just accept there are bad drivers in ALL types of drivers.
You are insulting me and most other other people here after your statement above in the first line stating "the average motorist would'nt blah blah",
You have a Very high opinion of yourself don't you, just out of interest, how tall are you please Yobar?
Ian

Plain Truth · Guru

Craig1 · Guru

"these meth heads in B Doubles "

Would have thought more than a few should be in the headlines ??

DMaxer · Guru

I agree Plain Truth. Note the words "Available" and "suggest". Also "fault is not assigned" does not mean that the car driver must be at fault.

However, it won't matter what anyone says. He will argue just for the sake of arguing.

yobarr · Guru

Xyz wrote:
Yobar you are just arguing for the sake of arguing, just accept there are bad drivers in ALL types of drivers.
You are insulting me and most other other people here after your statement above in the first line stating "the average motorist would'nt blah blah",
You have a Very high opinion of yourself don't you, just out of interest, how tall are you please Yobar?
Ian

I'm not sure that my height is relevant to the topic, but would it please you if I were to advise that my height is 1.52 metres? Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 9th of February 2023 02:41:28 PM

Xyz · Veteran Member

No, would not necessarily please me(care factor a big 0) but may very well explain a lot of things in regards to your post
Ian

dogbox · Guru

Craig1 wrote:

"these meth heads in B Doubles "

Would have thought more than a few should be in the headlines ??

i do not know what you did for living but it is not uncommon for heavy vehicle operators (especially east coast) to be drug tested some more frequently than others and definitely more than your average driver.
how many other occupations have testing as part of their job or the riot and order squad come into your workplace with drug dogs an tip your personal things out on the ground doing checks, any drug taking truck driver gets weeded out sooner or later usually with a big head line

Mein · Senior Member

What does annoy me is the truck drivers that think they own the roads.

Before self-service check-outs appeared, most of the time, when I approached a queue at a manned check-out with only 1 or 2 items in hand, the person at the front of the queue would usher me in front. And, I would do the same for others. It's being considerate and it's being practical.

When I do my weekly grocery shop on Saturday mornings, I get out of the way of folks pushing fully laden trolleys and people do the same when I'm departing, pushing my laden trolley. We all know how challenging it can be to control some supermarket trolleys when their full. Its being considerate.

Trucks cannot stop as quickly as cars. Trucks cannot turn as quickly as cars. If a truck has to (avoidably) slow right down, it uses a lot of fuel (and, commensurately produces a lot of exhaust emissions) to get back up to the speed limit (anyone here who claims to be concerned about reducing greenhouse gases?).

Trucks do no have more rights or more entitlements than other motorists but they do deserve move consideration, more courtesy and more leeway than smaller vehicle drivers in recognition of trucks' lesser ability to both stop and manouvre on the roads.

Negligence is always apportioned and even if one driver has done something stupid there is also the possibility of contribution from the other driver.

Always? Not when both vehicles are comprehensively insured and the knock for knock agreement applies. Then, the driver assessed to be most at fault loses his/her excess and no claims rating and the driver assessed to be least at fault is refunded his/her excess and has his/her no claims rating reinstated.