“Many are not doing it correctly,” said caravan road safety researcher and campaigner Ken Wilson, as he shared advice on how to properly use overtaking lanes.
Ken founded and manages the popular Truck Friendly caravan and road safety program, which has a website and more than 27,000 followers on Facebook. He is also the author of Safe Caravan Towing – The Manual.
He regularly shares his expert safety tips and advice with his followers, recently highlighting the issues of not using overtaking lanes correctly.
“The use, and misuse of overtaking lanes by other drivers is identified as one of the biggest complaints by drivers of all vehicles,” he said.
“It is not just one particular type of vehicle. We have seen drivers in charge of all types of vehicles not follow the rules, show courtesy and common sense, risking lives.
“All vehicles usually travel at different speeds on the highways. The posted speed limit is the maximum allowed speed for that stretch of road. It is not the compulsory speed nor safe for many vehicles.”
As an example, he explained, NSW and WA both have restricted speed limits for some vehicles – such as those towing trailers, caravans, horse floats, car trailers, and even trucks.
“Yet, we still have foolish people saying all caravanners should travel at the posted speed limit. Many drivers may legally need to travel slower than many other vehicles. There are a multitude of reasons vehicles may not travel at the maximum permissible speed on our highways,” Ken added.
“Being humans, many of us cannot control our tempers and we get agitated and frustrated at being stuck behind a vehicle travelling slower than we might want to travel at, be it, the posted speed limit or even beyond, when there are no/few opportunities to overtake.
“This can lead to road rage, anxiety and drivers doing stupid things as a result.”
Ken also spoke of the impact this can have on truck drivers. “They have many family and work pressures to meet deadlines, delivery windows and stay within their logbook hours.
“Being slowed by just 10km/h for a 10-hour trip will mean they will cover 100 kilometres less on their shift. It may mean they do not get home in their driving hours window and have to spend the next 8-10 hours sleeping in their truck instead of at home with family and their children.”
Ken’s advice is simple: “Always assist a faster driver to overtake safely so that we are not having to worry about that frustrated driver behind. Let them pass, you will have a far more relaxing trip and feel better in yourself for doing so.
“The roads authorities have placed many (but never enough) overtaking lanes on our highways to help drivers overtake vehicles going slower safely.”
Ken added that upcoming overtaking lanes are often signposted well in advance. “Often 2 or 5km in many cases,” he said. “This is designed to give you, as a faster driver or slower driver, time to prepare and answer the questions.
“Is the driver in front travelling that much slower on average that you need to overtake?
Has the driver behind been constantly looking for overtaking opportunities only to be prevented by oncoming traffic or double lines? Put yourself in their shoes.
He continued, “If travelling with other vehicles, towing or not, this is an opportunity to advise on the UHF what your intentions are. Remember that the legal following distance for vehicles or combinations over 7.5 m long is 60m, or 200 m in areas used by road trains.
“You may wish to close the following distance a bit so that any drivers overtaking on the overtaking lane can overtake several vehicles in the one move. Too much gap may mean you’re stuck with a frustrated driver in the middle of your convoy at the end of the overtaking lanes.
“Maintain your speed until you reach the overtaking lanes. Inform other drivers of your intentions at the overtaking lanes so they can prepare.
“You will be diverted by the lane markings into the left lane unless you indicate and move into the overtaking lane.”
Ken says one of the biggest complaints he hear is with regards to people speeding up in the left lane. “It is bloody stupid, and many do it without realising it. It may be that the wider road alters your speed perception, or you may just be a driver not paying attention and therefore a danger to others.”
As he reiterated, “You are required to allow other vehicles to pass. That is why the overtaking lanes are there. This is also clearly displayed on an increasing number of signs at the beginning of the overtaking lanes.”
He continued, “If you don’t have a UHF, on entry to the left-hand lane, a quick, simple light touch of your brake lights will help following drivers understand that you will be slowing in the left lane to assist others to pass.
“Keep an eye on your mirrors and monitor what is happening in the overtaking lane and behind you. You can gently reduce speed, if necessary, by lifting your foot off the accelerator or lightly touching the brake. Do not brake heavily at highway speeds and monitor following vehicles.
“By slowing you will assist the faster vehicles to get around you before the end of the overtaking lanes.
“Monitor any trucks coming up in the right lane. They may be speed limited or have slower acceleration, are longer, and need more time to pass. Adjust your speed accordingly. It is not a race.”
For those who say they’ve been “driven off the road” at the end of an overtaking lane, Ken says: “Try following the road rules.”
“At the end of the overtaking lanes there will usually be signs stating the distance until the left lane ends. 500m is a common distance. Followed by signs saying, merge right. Start looking for opportunities to change into the right lane but not too early.
“Usually, common sense and courtesy prevails and drivers in the right lanes assist other drivers to merge safely by making space.
“We have all heard of drivers in the left lane complaining that they were run off the road. However, the laws are quite clear that if your lane is ending you need to give way to other drivers when changing lanes.”
Ken added: “Many sensible drivers will monitor what is happening in the right-hand lane and prepare. In my case, when I am approaching the end of my lane, I move to the right-hand side of my lane while indicating early. Any drivers in the right lane will clearly see that I preparing to cross into the right lane and they usually make room for me or speed up to complete the overtaking before my lane ends. It just prompts them to make a decision and act.
“There will always be that idiot who tries to outrun you, but you still need to give way to them. You are just giving yourself more space to merge safely.
“Remember that you are either a part of the solution on our roads, or a part of the problem. We all need to decide which.
“Let’s get rid of that stupid and lethal ‘us and them’ mentality that currently exists between many road user groups. Many drivers drive several vehicle classes in a week or on holidays. Truck drivers tow caravans, car drivers also drive trucks and tow caravans or ride bikes, etc. It is the driver’s attitude to safety and courtesy that makes the difference.
“If we all work together and show courtesy, we will all have a safer, more enjoyable journey and hopefully get to our destinations on time and safety.”
For more information on the Truck Friendly caravan road safety program, visit truckfriendly.com.au or email info@truckfriendly.com.au.