Outback Travel
Submitted: Monday, Jul 11, 2011 at 20:49
ThreadID:
87509
Views:
3213
Replies:
5
FollowUps:
5
This Thread has been Archived
fordtough
A recent 3 week trip through central australia, while very enjoyable, highlighted a couple of issues that other travellers should consider-:
1) Speeds on gravel roads - there are far too many cowboys out there that fail to slow down for oncoming traffic. In particular, those towing. Please slowdown. We had one cowboy in a LandCruiser towing a tandem off-road van shower us with rocks down the side of our vehicle! No surprise then to see two-vehicles on our trip with smashed side windows. But it was the guy in the Patrol towing an off-road camper that smashed our windscreen. Thanks mate!
People, please show some courtesy and slow down!
Please also be aware that tandem caravans/trailers, in particular, throw up a lot of stones.
2) Tyres. Judging by the numerous tyre carcasses scattered on outback roads it is clear that many people are still not getting the tyre message. However why is it that these people think it is ok to leave their tyres on the side of the road. You brought a spare with you, take your old one out! It is litter and rubbish just like anything else and should not be left to litter the ouback.
Reply By: Member - Bucky - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 03:39
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 03:39
I call them up on the UHF , if possible, and let them have it ....no neet do be that ignorant.
Whilst coming out of the road into
Palm Valley, some moron driving a 4x4 tour bus sprayed us with rocks, ect. on a corner..driving like crazy !
He copped a burst, on the UHF, and I warned my mate about 1 km behind. He parked up in the middle of a norrow bit, forcing the tour bus to stop. When he did stop, the mate just drove off, smiled and waved .
He got another burst from my mate !
And justice for all !
Cheers
Bucky
AnswerID:
459707
Reply By: Rockape - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 06:52
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 06:52
I have submitted a thread the same as this before and I guess things won't change.
Yes, people towing are the worst offenders and I just drive straight at them, doesn't that make them wash off speed. I have lost 3 windscreens to 4wds with camper trailers on the back. I also have a very large dent in the leading edge of my bonnet from a
rock, would have hated to cop that one on the windscreen.
You won't stop people leaving rubbish I am afraid, been happening since I was a kid and I guess it always will. Singapore seem to have it right.
Have a good one
RA.
AnswerID:
459712
Follow Up By: Member - Keith C (NSW) - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 10:28
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 10:28
G,day RA, X2.I also drive straight at them in the centre of the track with all lights on, not at speed, and with plenty of time for them to see me, as they slow down I move over enough to let them by and give a friendly wave, works every time.
These blokes never get any damage because most people slow down when passing them, or even stop.Luckily I haven't lost a screen in 15 years of outback travel.
Regards Keith C.
FollowupID:
733326
Follow Up By: Rockape - Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 14:12
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2011 at 14:12
Keith,
I do the same without the lights and give them plenty of time to have a think about it.
Lost my windscreens at 30 kph, 40kph and stationary.
Last time I posted some said they had a limited time frame to see Australia,
well No1. you don't see much of Australia when travelling at speed on a dirt road and No2. if they had 5 mins less for lunch they would be able to slow for others and still be further down the track at the end of the day and No3. a little courtesy goes a long way
I leave for
Townsville at 1 tomorrow morning and I will see if the pigs and roos can tag me, no 4wds towing at that time Ha Ha.
Have a good one
RA.
FollowupID:
733337
Reply By: Echucan Bob - Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 08:40
Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 at 08:40
I agree that you should slow as you pass oncoming vehicles on gravel roads.
However, many don't. The worst offenders that I have noticed are:
1. people driving other peoples' cars - typically a Troopy fanging along at 130 barely touching the road surface (this is why Toyotas only last a year in desert communities),
2. a bunch of guys in a convoy, the leader too afraid to slow down in case his mates rib him
AnswerID:
459804