Saturday, Aug 07, 2004 at 02:01
G'day Diesel Do,
I'll "chime in" here, if I may...
Without commenting on the particular incident mentioned in the opening post, as I don't know the details, the problem, as noted by Chris, is not a new one & it's been happening for years....
I believe that most cases involve a car/van being overtaken by the larger vehicle...
It is very much related to windage of van, particularly in relation to its weight (and that of the towing vehicle)... Light van/large windage= bad news!
Anyone who has stood by the side of the h'way when a high-sided semi (or B-double) has gone past will know that these things drag along with them their very own mini-gale.. literally a 100km/h wind gust...
What usually happens is that the driver of the vehicle towing the 'van will be driving sedately along at about 80-85 km/h, completely oblivious to anything approaching from behind, when suddenly (to him) this dirty great behemoth appears alongside the drivers' window...
Instinctive reaction is to lift the foot off the gas (& brake!)... WRONG MOVE!!!!
That's when it all goes pear-shaped, because just as the they've upset the balance of the whole shebang, it's hit with the aforementioned 100km/h wind gust.. Goodbye caravan! (and car too, mostly)...
Correct procedure, assuming the 'van-towing driver has been watching his r/v mirrors & becomes aware that the semi is about to overtake, is to ease off the power just enough to allow the truck to begin its overtaking manoeuvre, then just as the truck begins to draw alongside, apply the power again.. enough to maintain present speed, & just a leetle bit extra, but he needs to be applying the power! .. If he has the presence of mind to GENTLY apply the 'van brakes independantly (if elect. brakes are fitted) while this is going on, so much the better...
This means that even though the 'van will be buffeted by the wind, it is still being PULLED by the car & the likelihood of "losing it" is greatly reduced... It goes without saying that the larger the towing vehicle, the better...
What can be done to reduce the problem?? (you ask)...
Well, IMO, awareness would go a long way, but that leads to a whole 'nother debate re peoples' ability to drive, etc. etc., & I'm not going there...
Regards, Ed. C.
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