Hello to all the Tourists and 4x4ers that will soon be out on the highways enjoying our Great Country. I decided to post this because over previous years I notice that many motorist just don't know what to do when they see a Pilot Vehicle, We even get the "FINGER" sometimes and what we are doing is what the Laws require for your safety.
Last year in North Qld there were 3 incidents involving Tourists and Oversize loads, one near Charters Towers put finish to their holiday because the Caravan had the side torn out because the driver ignored the 1st Pilot Car,then ignored the directions of the Police Escort and then the accident happened.I think there was also a bad one in WA .So I have added the following for you all and hope you all have a terrific time out here in Oz.
OVERZIZE VEHICLES
Oversize vehicles play an important role on Queensland's roads. When it comes to moving houses, large machinery or agricultural equipment, it usually takes an oversize vehicle to do the job safely and
well.
By definition, oversize vehicles are unusually wide, high, long or any combination of these. Because of their dimensions, oversize vehicles can create a
hazard for unwary motorists. To avoid this problem, the law requires safety measures for oversize vehicles. These safety measures include the addition of one or more pilot or escort vehicles.
Pilot and escort vehicles
Pilot and escort vehicles protect you by warning that there's an oversize vehicle on the road.
A pilot operator is a person who is accredited to guide loads that are between 3.5m and 4.5m wide.
An escort operator is a person who is accredited to guide loads wider than 4.5m. [2 Pilot/Escorts] and upwards to 7m to 8m - Pilot Vehicle will have Wig-Wag lights on as will Police.
For loads over 5.5m there will be [2 Pilot/Escorts] 1 Police Escort, and 6m or more could have 2 to 3 Police Escorts.
In WA you will see Pilot Cars on your side of the road,over double lines, etc
PILOT VEHILES - what should you do?
Oversize vehicles will cause you no problems if you follow some simple rules.
Slow down
When you see a pilot or escort vehicle - slow down. Continue driving slowly until the oversize vehicle passes you by. This could take some time, as pilot vehicles generally travel some distance ahead of the oversize vehicle.
Prepare to move over and STOP if necessary
Many oversize vehicles will take up more than half the road, or may need to drive in the centre to safely clear power lines, roadside fixtures or bridges.
You may have to move to the left or stop completely to allow an oversize vehicle to pass safely.
The safest thing to do is to pull right off the bitumen and stop until the oversize vehicle has passed.
Follow any instructions from the escort operator
By law, escort vehicle operators (including police and others) are allowed to direct motorists in order to prevent injury or property damage. If an operator displays a sign asking you to stop or slow down, or waves you off the road, you should follow their instructions - for your own safety.
For more Information paste this URL into the address bar
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/LTASinfo.nsf/index/heavy_pilot
Have a good one, see you out on the roads,
Doug