On a very recent trip, where one section covered over 165K of outback track, I became increasingly grumpy at not having the ability to switch off the ABS.
Now before you all jump down my throat, let me explain first.
The area we were travelling in had a considerable dump of rain about a week before we arrived. There were numerous
creek crossings and spoon drains in the southern section but the track had pretty much dried out.
The
creek crossings were usually defined by a tree line so we knew what to expect and slowed down to approximately 15k/hr prior to entering the
creek proper whereby the speed was usually at walking pace.
Since this was relatively early in the morning, shadows play tricks across the road making it virtually impossible to recognise those little mongrel dips prior to the crossing, which catch you out.
Even at this very low speed there is a resounding thump and often the front
wheels will leave the road on the exit point of the entry dip. This is the area I have an issue with on dirt roads. ABS is a great invention, but like all manner of other technologies it’s not perfect.
ABS, in my opinion, is too good for its own use in the outback. Those critical moments whereby an experience driver needs to take control of the vehicle is mitigated by technology. I’m starting to understand why I see many drivers go
turtle bleep for no apparent reason.
The mate was following me in an ex Telstra Nissan with a tub on the back (no ABS). We stopped at a flooded section to have a look at it before crossing. I flew out off the car and carried on a bit about ABS. He asked what’s getting up your old arse. To which I replied, ‘if I don’t find the fuse to switch to turn it off, I’m going to shoot the bloody thing’.
In the Nissan he had no problems at all and we were both travelling at similar speeds.
As I said previously, I’m now starting to understand why I see so many unexplained accidents in the bush. Seems to me it’s caused by speed, inexperience and often technology not suitable in bush situation.
The latter may work
well at home, but it needs a bit of refinement for the Australian bush, or at least the ability to turn the damn thing off.
Regards
Kim