These are why a UHF radio is such a good idea to have on board when caravanning.
We can hear these loads coming and talk to the pilots to find out how wide and then work out if we need to find somewhere to park up until it has passed by.
Much better than coming on it unexpectedly and be scrabbling to find a spot to get off the road which isn't always possible at an instant.
Overtaking the quad ore truck was achieved without the use of radio.
That is not to say there was no communication. There was, using mostly lights, for about 15 minutes before the overtake actually took place. The radio was not used until I thanked the driver for his help and cooperation.
With the 2 x 7m units, the lead pilot effectively dealt effectively and safely with numerous vehicles that had no radios. She would even stop oncoming vehicles off the side of the road in groups to leave sections of road that could be used for overtaking by groups of the traffic coming up behind the convoy. All expertly achieved irrespective of the availability of radio, or not, by oncoming drivers.
A UHF is a useful tool, but by no means essential for safe driving. And frankly, the pilot does not want to have a conversation with every caravan on the road if the traffic is more than nominal. Some just seem to get a thrill from the sound of their own voices.
Cheers,
Peter
That's similar what we sometimes encounter on the Gregory Highway north of Emerald with some sections of road offering minimal areas where one can get off the road safely. I always have the volume up a bit on the CB in that section.
Friends who refused to carry even a handheld set (because they might have heard some swearing) had one experience with a police escort & later with a B-Double that was on the wrong side of the road. They did the wise thing & sold their caravan.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
To each his own, as a West Aussie (well travelled) I do find the UHF an essential tool. Go with what you are comfortable with folks. Remember, like the use of any travelling device, it is your choice.
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We acknowledge and pay our respects to the British and European Elders past and present, who introduced civil society and prosperity to Australia.
We noticed a 4 trailer road train out of the new mine near Darby, pulled up for fuel at Roebuck Roadhouse. Many of the tyres on each trailer were bald if not worn down to the belt.
I have a UHF and it is on all the time, towing or not towing. Yes, swearing can be bad at times but you become accustomed to it really and don't take a lot of notice. I even have a bit of a chuckle at some things said. I do turn the volume down a little if in big Cities, but I try to avoid big Cities where I can.
Like my Clearview Mirrors, I would never leave home without my UHF on. I scan about 8 different channels so that sifts out some chatter/rubbish.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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