Dashcam info needed

Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 20:31
ThreadID: 117233 Views:3902 Replies:13 FollowUps:35
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Hi all,

After being run off the highway near Mildura (which could have cost us our lives) by a well known South Australian transport company I have decided to purchase a Dashcam.

What I am looking for is the following;
1) A good brand name.
2) Easy to install and use.
3) Day and night use.
4) Able to download pictures to usb stick from the unit.
5) Reasonable priced unit.
6) Any other advise one may need .

Thank you and cheers P&J
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Reply By: MY D-mAx - Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 20:45

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 20:45
Hi there P&J
ive been using this model dash cam for about 3 years now and cant fault it.cost $almost $300 back then there's a better model out now where there is a rear camera as well for about $539 but im staying with what i have now.
Purchased from Camzilla here in Sydney.

http://www.camzilla.com.au/products/dashcam-vehicle-recorders

BlackVue HD WiFi GPS Dashcam with 16GB card
DR600GW-HD.

Hope this helps you in your search
AnswerID: 551606

Follow Up By: Lakers - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:27

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:27
X2 for the Blackvue. I have a 32mb mini SD card in mine. The picture quality from the Blackvue is very very good, and it has GPS function, with video date, time and speed stamped.

Cheers
Greg
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Follow Up By: Louwai - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 14:26

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 14:26
I use a Blackvue also. GPS, WiFi with 2nd rear cam as well. Both cams record front & rear simultaneously.

Can be purchased with 16gb, 32gb or 64gb cards.

If you shop around you can by a Blackvue 16gb at a reasonable price & then from a diferent store buy a 64gb card at a HUGLY cheaper price than the Blackvue retailer.

The video has Time & date stamp, GPS location & current speed.

Cheers, Bryan

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Follow Up By: CSeaJay - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 18:26

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 18:26
Can one turn off the speed stamp?

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Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 19:59

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 19:59
Thanks all I will check them out.

Cheers P&J
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Follow Up By: Member - johnat - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 22:24

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 22:24
@CSeaJay - on the blackvue you can. not sure why you'd want to do that, but. If the evidence is needed for court, it might be a problem, but if you need that evidence, it's better toi have something that's a bit negative than nothing at all.

What I have turned off on my unit is the "in car sound recording" Not EVER allowing anyone to hear my commentary.
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Reply By: garrycol - Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 20:56

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 20:56
Mini cam 0806 - less than $200 from ebay or Dashcams Australia (out of stock at the moment but do have the 0805 for about $160)

Garry
AnswerID: 551607

Follow Up By: Top End Az - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 10:45

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 10:45
Hi. I have an 0803. I don't really like. It's a bit finiky and temperamental and I wouldn't buy another one. I will cough up the $$ and get a Blackvue next time.
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Follow Up By: garrycol - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:21

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:21
I wouldn't buy a 0803 either but the 0806 is different.

Blackvue has a very poor reputation on the Dash Cam forums. I was also looking at Blackvue until I read comments on the dedicated forums.

Very expensive for what it does - no better video quality than a $190 0806.

Garry
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Follow Up By: Top End Az - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:39

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:39
Ok, that's good to know. My 0803 sometimes won't come on, it freezes on startup, and when I plug the USB into my laptop the laptop rejects it. The mount is also not too good as it sags. I will check out the 0806 and see how it stacks up.
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FollowupID: 837099

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:03

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:03
This is interesting, looks like the 0803 is of my list.

Cheers P&J
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Follow Up By: TomH - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:29

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:29
Despite some of the bad comments on that forum I have 3 Blackvue cameras A DR400G A DR500GW HD and a DR350
All have been operating for over 2 years in 3 different countries in Temps from below Zero in Canada to well over 40+ in Texas and here in Australia

The only trouble I have had was a failed Lipo battery in the DR 400.

Cost me $3 and half an hour to fix it.

I have also installed 2 other 400's and a 350 all of which have had no trouble.

I use 3M Dual lock tape to mount them.

No you cant turn the speed display off
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 21:06

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 21:06
P & J,

Check out thread 111236. Bit of info on people's choice there.

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:04

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:04
Thanks bob I will check it out.

Chow P&J
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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 21:15

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 21:15
Hi Paul

I hope you and Janet are OK.


Name and shame the. Company and contact their head office, with full details.

They will know who the driver is, they the date and time that it happened.

Would like to hear the full story next time you are in Clare.



Take care and hope everything is ok.



Cheers


Stephen
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AnswerID: 551610

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:11

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:11
G'day Roxby Special!

We are, well sort of ok. J is fine and I now have another broken foot. Yes same foot same place.

Re the Trucking company who's driver ran us off the road, all I will say on this site is they come from "The Mount" is S.A. Have been to their Office with all details and got no where in the end. Will tell you all about it when we catch up.

Cheers for now P&J
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Friday, Mar 27, 2015 at 07:14

Friday, Mar 27, 2015 at 07:14
Hi Paul

I would have thought that with all the issues with heavy vehicle accidents both interstate and here in South Australia, the people at Scott's Transport would take your concerns very serious.

The next option is to go to the Police. The local boys up in Peterborough would be able to follow it up for you, as if you have the date and time of the event, Scott's would have a log of all vehicles in that area at the time you were run off the road.


At least you are both ok.


Cheers


Stephen
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Follow Up By: Nickywoop - Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 07:48

Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 07:48
Hi Stephen,

I think you must be careful in naming any transport company on a public forum, just because the trailers had a name painted on them, does not mean the prime mover and driver belong to the same Co.

The company you mentioned, have many of their trailers towed by private contractors (subbies) these days.

In saying that if it is the case they were involved, I think the Co. would like to be told directly, rather than be named in a public forum.

There is also another big transport Co. which is Australia wide and in NZ that have their main base in Mt. Gambier, are you sure it was not one of their trucks involved in the incident?

Regards Nick

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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 10:10

Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 10:10
Hi Nick

When we live in SA, the one big name from the Mount is the company that everyone would know about.

Regardless of it being a company vehicle of a subby driver, the company would have detailed records of where and who was towing what trailers at any time.

If they had no record, then the company would be personally liable for any speed camera fines and the like.

There are many fantastic long distance drivers out there and it is the so called cow boys that give all truckies a bad name.

These are the guys that are the ones that cause all the problems. I have many friends who are long distance truck drivers and I know that they do the right thing, and hear just how bad some guys can be.


Cheers



Stephen
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Follow Up By: Nickywoop - Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 21:29

Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 21:29
Fair enough Stehen,

You are right, but I still believe a public forum is not the place to name a business no matter if they have employees, subbies or what who have done wrong things.

If some of these companies got on this forum, and I am sure they never would lower their standards to report every caravanner, 4x4 driver etc. that caused problems to one of their vehicles on the road, we would be amazed.
We do not need any cowboys on the black, but there are many more driving light vehicles than big ones. Have a look at a few of your mates dashies" in the big one's".

Enough said regards Nick
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Follow Up By: mack c - Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 04:59

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 04:59
Those truckies do 10 times and more miles per day. Every day
than most car/caravan drivers.

I've driven trucks since 1963 as a civillian. and caravans same yr.

There used to be a LOT of cowboys on the roads long haul and local.
Thankfully, nowadays "most" are long gone.
but for every one cowboy. There'd be near 50 clowns, for a better word.
driving round with no experience at it. (towing caravans) and more every yr.

Everybody.... that goes for a caravan should by law. If having no prior experience.
be made to take at least one class at towing, and handling something bigger than a 6x4. then have licence endorsed.

and everybody with a caravan over combined weight of say 5 ton. should have either a semi. or HG licence.
You've only got to pass it once.
and then we all know you can at least back the bloody thing.
Have you seen some of them?? It's pitiful.

Truckies have to.
How are car drivers with NO experience any better.

At least most truckies have undergone training and had a competence test
b4 being let loose on the roads.

And most people with any sense. have long time ago,
fitted a GPS Dash camera in car.
Most truck companies do, for their insurance as well as the drivers.
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Follow Up By: Nickywoop - Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 09:03

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 09:03
Agree Mack C,

We cannot presume here about the misadventure the original poster endured, and who was at fault in the incident. Thank goodness they still with us and neither involved ended up as a fatality .

Personally, I still believe we should refrain from naming Company vehicles involved in incidents, because the facts are never presented as to why it happened. As I said before, we see it on TV news most evenings, idiots filmed on dash cams from heavy vehicles.

Won't be long before a forum is set up by the trucking industry, showing clips of what heavy vehicles drivers have to put up with daily. Then we will shudder. Any more thoughts?

Nick
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FollowupID: 837362

Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 09:47

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 09:47
Hi Nick

I personally know John and if he said he was run off the road, then I have no reason to believe what he said is true.

If a truckies group started showing videos as well, it would be warranted, but as I say, there are still Cowboys out there in the heavy industry.

Why is it then when there is an open road limit of 100 kph, I have personally had a B double sit less than a cars distance behind me, and all you can see is his headlights in my rear view mirror when I am sitting on 100kph, when he should be sitting on 90 kph, then passes me and then leaves me in my wake?

There was also a very good video shown on Adelaide news a month or so ago, where a heavy vehicle was doing the very same on the southen express way in Adelaide. Thank goodness he was filmed, as it also showed him going through a red light. When the images were shown on TV, the transport company immediately sacked the driver, and then the police were involved and they were going to lay charges.

It is an on going story on both sides and it is about time that everyone gets on board with road safety.


Cheers



Stephen
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Reply By: Member - johnat - Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 21:56

Wednesday, Mar 25, 2015 at 21:56
Not sure that there are too many that allow you to download direct from the unit to a USB, but the Blackvue models are easy to install, a well known brand, great for both day and night, a bit pricey but within reason (given the potential hassles it could save you) -
I got an older model on eBay and have not regretted it.
They (Blackvue) do suggest that the card be reformatted regularly. I take the card out, save anything that's even remotely interesting to the laptop, and reformat. I also have a second card, so I can exchange cards if there's a serious need to keep some event. Sorta belt and braces thing, but that's me!
AnswerID: 551614

Reply By: Bigfish - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 08:20

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 08:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdPHXv8Hzj8

I purchased one of these. Very small, simple and brilliant picture. Will probably purchase another one soon for the rear window.
AnswerID: 551628

Follow Up By: garrycol - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 10:06

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 10:06
These have been upgraded through the 0801, 0803, 0805 and now the 0806 models.

I have the 0805 and took this 3 days ago.

Youtube video is not good but is excellent straight from the camera - can easily read number plates.

Very small camera with very high resolution - 2304x1296.

Garry
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Follow Up By: garrycol - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 10:07

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 10:07
These have been upgraded through the 0801, 0803, 0805 and now the 0806 models.

I have the 0805 and took this 3 days ago.

Youtube video is not good but is excellent straight from the camera - can easily read number plates.

Very small camera with very high resolution - 2304x1296.

Garry
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FollowupID: 837084

Follow Up By: garrycol - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:24

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:24
Double post would be nice to be able to delete it myself.

The link that is missing above

You Tube Dash Cam Link
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Follow Up By: Bigfish - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 14:01

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 14:01
Just checked mine..Its the 805 model. I paid $89.00. Cheap insurance and foolproof..
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Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:20

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:20
Hi Bigfish,

Thanks for the link, I had a quick look and seems interesting. I will look at the video in full as it seem to be something like I am looking for.

Cheers P&J
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FollowupID: 837122

Reply By: duck - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:56

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 12:56
I use a smarty cam & are very happy with it, it uses a SD card
1) Make sure the one you pick has GPS built in
2) It will film for X amount of time after the power is cut
3) Program is easy to use
4) the sensitivity should be able to be adjusted for incident recording
5) does not take up much windscreen area
carry a spare card or stick etc so if/when a incident happens you can replace it so it won't write over the top of it
footage of mine has been used in a NSW court several times see past thread!


AnswerID: 551639

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:49

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 20:49
Hi Duck,

Can you please supply more info about the model of smarty cam you have and also the past thread number you are referring to.

Thanks P&J
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Reply By: member - mazcan - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 13:55

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 13:55
hi P JM
i was in hardly normal yesterday and they have the new uniden crashcams 560 and 580 models and are around $300 with GPS etc cheers
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Follow Up By: member - mazcan - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 13:59

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 13:59
sorry got the numbers wrong should have said model 820 & 850
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Follow Up By: member - mazcan - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 14:36

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 14:36
www.ryder.com
kick butt with crashcam camera prices
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Reply By: mack c - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 18:01

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 18:01
Hi.

Have two Honeywell camera's.
One. mine. around 5 yrs old.
Missus around 2-2 1/2 yrs old.

Gps linked.

Very clear picture day and night. through tablet, P.C.

Gives you picture.
Location (lat and long) in google sat.
Speed. time and your words as you driving.
Specially what you saying to that dick in front of you.

Around $250 each del. and never missed a beat so far.
Small. Black. fits behind mirror and very unobtrusive.

Records to a micro SD.Fits anywhere and win prog,s link with it.
AnswerID: 551649

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:00

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:00
Mack,

Any chance of getting a model number from you please.

Cheers P&J
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FollowupID: 837126

Follow Up By: mack c - Friday, Mar 27, 2015 at 13:41

Friday, Mar 27, 2015 at 13:41
P&J.

Hi.

As below.

Mod No HBB-1000WGE-8

Both same model
though mine is a little slower than madam to activate the GPS.
around 30 mtrs.

On mine the slide in "click to lock" to the adhesive mounted plate on screen is a bit loose.
it occasionally fell of on corrugations when in Patrol.

A dab of blue tack fixed that.

Apart from that. Nothing.

Regards
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FollowupID: 837161

Reply By: TomH - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 18:06

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 18:06
Have a read of the thread posted above I have provided pics of mine plus fitting instructions for a camera that is neat and permanent.
Dont want to repost it all
AnswerID: 551650

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:05

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:05
There have you posted it Tom ?

P&J
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FollowupID: 837127

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:20

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:20
Sorry, I meant it to be Where have you posted it ?
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Follow Up By: TomH - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 21:22

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 22:11

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 22:11
Good, thanks a lot Tom.

Cheers
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FollowupID: 837131

Reply By: Member - P and JM - Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 19:51

Thursday, Mar 26, 2015 at 19:51
Hi All,

Well looks like I have some reading to do now and some videos to look at.
Instead of answering to all individually I will do it here now.

Thanks to all of you who have replied and posted follow ups. I am now ready to start reading.

Once again "Thanks to all" Cheers P&J
AnswerID: 551656

Follow Up By: Bigfish - Friday, Mar 27, 2015 at 20:13

Friday, Mar 27, 2015 at 20:13
Do we get a spotters fee?...lol
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FollowupID: 837177

Reply By: Slow one - Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 22:38

Saturday, Mar 28, 2015 at 22:38
P&J,
sorry to here about your bad experience but there are many good operators out there.

Her is the other side of the coin. Awhile back I followed a b-double for some time and then into road works. His driving manners were impeccable from his use of indicators, hazard lights while pulled up, his radio manners and speed through the roadworks.

When I pulled up for a break I rang that company and said I wanted to report a truck and wished to speak to the road boss. I could tell who ever answered was thinking here we go again.

I gave the boss the unit number of the truck and the time and place asking he pass on my congratulations to the operator for his immaculate driving. I think that really made his and the drivers day thinking someone actually said something constructive for a change. The driver would have been chuffed and the message would have also been passed onto others.

I haven't read what cams or sites are recommended but in my road vehicle I use this one as it is cheap and hasn't faulted. Easy to use and download off the flash card. Just remember the video card has to be configured before it will work with the dash cam.

Dash cam

Review
AnswerID: 551719

Reply By: mack c - Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 11:05

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 11:05
Regarding post above.

95% of truckies (I hope) are conciencous operators.

They do play with their lives every time they get behind the wheel.
With up to 103ton behind them.

The most important thing any car driver must remember is.
Although they have VERY good brakes.
Momentum. iE Solid tonnage) will keep them going further.

ALways give them room and NEVER get in between one and his potentiol stopping point.
Traffic lights. intersections etc.

He will have judged his braking distance for that load at that speed in those conditions.

if you step in there. quite often. even if he wanted to. He can't sop his rig rolling over the top of you.

Yrs ago. I was in a town. dual carriageway. 80km. inside lane.
Lights changed. I had a 110 ton road weight crane under me.
just rolling along around 75/77.

1 Idiot blasted past. hit brakes Swung in front of me, put his indicator on.
then tried to turn into a lane turn off into houses.

Hmm.
He just kept on rolling along. on the front of my crane.
With the air horn piercing his eardrums so he couldn't hear what I called him.

There are lots of others too. we all have them. Fatal. Messy and otherwise.

We/they. CAN NOT stop. in same circumstances as a car or van.

Over the yrs I have come to realise SOME people leave their brains at home when they step behind the wheel of a vehicle. Age irrelavant.

Get a camera. (similar to mine. that records straight onto a Micro SD or simillar.
I have one 16gig in there and another in dash in caes I need to remove with evidence on it.
They have own program written on them so they will roll on any player/PC Lappie/tablet/phone etc.
not start and stop at every 3 min segment.

Plus. they very small. black and sit right behind or beside mirror
and 99% wouldn't see it. hence no thievery involved.
Honeywell 1000wge -8. with GPS.
AnswerID: 551847

Follow Up By: Member - P and JM - Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 16:52

Tuesday, Mar 31, 2015 at 16:52
Hi mack c,

I started this thread for some info on Dashcams not a lecture on trucks and cars, but don't take it the wrong way as I agree with a lot you have just posted, as the saying goes; been there experienced that.

Please let me tell you and everyone in this post I have been:
1) A truck driver 2) Heavy machine operator 3) Locomotive driver.

During my driving/operating span of 50 years I have never had an accident and only once fined for going over the speed, because I did not see the silly new 50 board behind a tree.

All I wish to say now is that the "B Double driver was at fault and he knew it and so did the semi behind him. I was doing 100kms/hour as I always do and he sat on my rear end where he was supposed to be 60 metres away, he passed me and cut me off even before the "B" section had passed me. I had to slow down so I did not end up in the prairie and to allow the idiot could get away.

He then went like the clappers and left us for dead so he was exceeding his 100k/h. The incident was reported to NSW Police at Balranald and I visited the trucking company on my return trip with all rego numbers and info needed.

I will be getting a Dashcam very soon. Thanks and regards P&J
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FollowupID: 837378

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