Overtaking a road train can be the most daunting experience you can come across when driving in outback Australia. A heavy haulage vehicle that is over 53.5 metres in length with 4 trailers and over 80 tyres, it’s scary to think about. The best advice is don’t be nervous over the sheer size of them when you’re on the road. They are just like any other vehicle you want to overtake, it’s all about the preparation and time to ensure you have adequate room to overtake.
Here are our dos and don’ts when you share the road with road trains in Australia.
1) Don’t tailgate a road train, keep your distance, as tailgating the vehicle reduces your chance of stopping in time and does not allow for the driver to see you.
2) When you’re ready to overtake the vehicle, you need to consider your actions to ensure its safe to do so. For example, are you on a straight stretch of road, is there any oncoming traffic.
3) When you are in the process of overtaking, only move back into your left lane when you are able to see the road trains headlights in your mirrors. Once you’re back in your left lane, you can then breathe a sigh of relief as you have just overtaken your first road train! From then you need to keep a constant speed and not slow down as road trains can and will overtake you.
4) If you need to pull off the road at any point in time and you have a road train behind you, always give plenty of warning by indicating for at least 100 meters. This allows the road train driver with enough time to slow their vehicle and allows you enough time to pull off safely.
5) Don’t pull out in front of a road train; their stopping time is not like a car. Be patient and let them go first and when you have the right time you can further overtake them up the road.
6) Give road trains extra space and don’t cut in. When trucks are turning, they can legally use both lanes when they turn. The same rule applies for overtaking a turning vehicle; always give them plenty of room to navigate their turn.
7) Lastly the most important rule is to be patient, use common sense and drive responsibly.
Trucks keep Australia moving and provide to everyone whether it’s in the city or the country. They are integral part of everyday living in Australia. Look out for one and other on the road.
