Downhill passing lanes?

[awa355]

Going down the TGA side of the Kaimais today following two trucks. A ladened truck pulls into the slow lane, the following truck stays out to pass it. The 1st truck is trying to pull out at the end of the slow lane before the overtaking truck is past. Two trucks side by side, one straddling the double yellow lines, and two lanes of traffic coming up towards them.

Made me think, If two trucks are 20 metre long each, one is doing 25kph in the slow lane, the other is doing 60kph passing, how much distance is needed for the overtaking truck to get his trailer 20 mtres ahead of the slower truck. A techno wizz could work this out. I cant.

Definitly more ground than this 'slow' lane had.

Personally, I think if the front vehicle is doing a reasonable speed, a lot of the slow lanes are not long enough for more than one car to get past, before the 1st vehicle has to pull back out into the traffic. ( I'm thinking of the Waikato side of the Kaimais here) The slow lanes are on the outside of the corners, ( rt hand), so the main lane vehicle has a tighter radius to go through at a higher speed.

Has anyone else witnessed any close calls with these downhill 'slow traffic' lanes?

I know it comes down to the drivers judgement, but I suspect many drivers misjudge their timing/speed on downhill runs.

[Subike]

I M O
trucks are "slow' vehicles,
The lane is for slow vehicles, thus both trucks should have been using the slow lane.
The driver of the truck overtaking the first was in the wrong from the start of his attempt,
A good truck driver would have been patient and stayed behind the other,
Like inexperienced riders who want to go fast they take risks, (bike related input) inexperienced truck drivers also want to go fast and take risks.Going down hill, IMO for a truck to attempt to pass another truck in a slow vehicle lane is as bad as overtaking on a blind corner for a motorcyclist .

[Road kill]

I know the exact place your talking about and that lane should be closed off as it's not long enough for other trucks to get past you unless you really haul up,which is not aways possible if you just happen to be pushing 30-40 tonnes.

Most car drivers also take so long to wake up to the fact they could pass,they also don't get past before the truck on the inside runs out of lane.

After the first couple of scares I stopped using the slow lane and if another truck pulls into it,I just stay behind him "in the outside lane" an don't bother trying to pass.

People on motorcycles that think trucks are slow so should pull in to a lane that will run out in around 100meters,,,,can kiss my arse because I'm not going to play the silly fucking game that can get somebody "me" killed while dick head on bike fucks off like nothing happened

Just shut the stupid fucking lane and the problem goes away.

[Oblivion]

I M O
trucks are "slow' vehicles,
The lane is for slow vehicles, thus both trucks should have been using the slow lane.
The driver of the truck overtaking the first was in the wrong from the start of his attempt,
A good truck driver would have been patient and stayed behind the other,
Like inexperienced riders who want to go fast they take risks, (bike related input) inexperienced truck drivers also want to go fast and take risks.Going down hill, IMO for a truck to attempt to pass another truck in a slow vehicle lane is as bad as overtaking on a blind corner for a motorcyclist .

I had an occasion where a Tanker was being overtaken by a stock truck. Normally you'd assume that they'd both be in the left lane. Nope. The stock truck tried to overtake. On a hill for crying out loud. Realised that couldn't complete the pass, he slowed down and pulled back into the left lane. Right before the passing lane finishes. The smell of a stock truck for 20 minutes is not a nice smell <_<

[Jantar]

I know the exact place your talking about and that lane should be closed off as it's not long enough for other trucks to get past you unless you really haul up,which is not aways possible if you just happen to be pushing 30-40 tonnes.

Most car drivers also take so long to wake up to the fact they could pass,they also don't get past before the truck on the inside runs out of lane.

After the first couple of scares I stopped using the slow lane and if another truck pulls into it,I just stay behind him "in the outside lane" an don't bother trying to pass.

People on motorcycles that think trucks are slow so should pull in to a lane that will run out in around 100meters,,,,can kiss my arse because I'm not going to play the silly fucking game that can get somebody "me" killed while dick head on bike fucks off like nothing happened

Just shut the stupid fucking lane and the problem goes away.

I also know the spot. I hope you weren't the truck driver who didn't pull into the left lane and allow me to pass (3 1/2 years ago). With no other traffic around, I took to the left lane, passed the truck with plenty of room to spare before the end on the passing lane and carried on my way.

[Road kill]

I also know the spot. I hope you weren't the truck driver who didn't pull into the left lane and allow me to pass (3 1/2 years ago). With no other traffic around, I took to the left lane, passed the truck with plenty of room to spare before the end on the passing lane and carried on my way.

Never had that happen,,,yet.

The thing is, if you could count on people being on the ball an getting past you before the lane runs out it wouldn't be an issue.

The trouble is, you can't rely on people to do anything at all,then when one does get it right everybody else behind them also wants to go,,,but the lane is simply not long enough.

To those that say the truck should just pull over,I offer them the chance to come along for the ride one day,see what it's like to be running out of room in a vehicle that "will" kill you while the clowns trickle past at 90-100kms as you watch the on coming "nothing".

Me,I've spend years doing this is well as five years running my own pilot "wide load" escort business and I've seen the results to many times not to stay pro active all the time and consider all the possibilitys all the time.

People on the roads tend to think about only their own point of view and seldom give a shit about other road users,,I have to consider every body and I have to give a shit all the time.

So sometimes I take what I consider to be the safe option,,if that holds somebody up for an extra 5-10 minites,,,so be it.

I'm not going to apoligise to people that don't get it and wouldn't give me the time of day if it ment any effort on their part.

You know there's two types of people on the roads that really piss me off,,that's fuckwits in trucks and fuckwits on bikes,,,both are far to close to home for me not to get pissed at them.

Sales reps in XR8's,,,well there's no hope for those cunts anyway so I don't get pissed at them,,,strange huh.

[wtf?]

Made me think, If two trucks are 20 metre long each, one is doing 25kph in the slow lane, the other is doing 60kph passing, how much distance is needed for the overtaking truck to get his trailer 20 mtres ahead of the slower truck. A techno wizz could work this out. I cant.

I was interested in the answer, so here's mine…

Assuming
1. the overtaking truckie anticipates the move and loses no time accelerating

The faster truck starts 10m behind, moves 30m up so both cabs are level, moves another 20m for the length of his own truck and a further 20m so as not to cut off the slower truck when they both move to the same lane, then…

The faster truck has to move en extra 70m on the slower truck at a speed differential of 35km/h. That takes 7.2 seconds to do. At 65km/h the faster truck will travel 120m in that time. Allow 3 secs to pull out and another 3 to pull back in again and a realistic distance used is 220m

The same 2 trucks going 75 and 90, the answer blows out to 570m.

[awa355]

I M O
trucks are "slow' vehicles,
The lane is for slow vehicles, thus both trucks should have been using the slow lane.
.

Trucks are not "slow" vehicles. Subike. It's not unusual for the tighter corners towards the top of the Kaimais to be the only reason trucks will drop under 70-80k's. In the 'good old days' a logging truck would be 15kph going up one side, and in low gear at 10k's going down the otherside.

Anyway, no ones answered the question from the OP, How much distance does an overtaking truck need to pass? One at 25k's, and one at 60k's.

[jasonu]

Going down the TGA side of the Kaimais today following two trucks. A ladened truck pulls into the slow lane, the following truck stays out to pass it. The 1st truck is trying to pull out at the end of the slow lane before the overtaking truck is past. Two trucks side by side, one straddling the double yellow lines, and two lanes of traffic coming up towards them.

Made me think, If two trucks are 20 metre long each, one is doing 25kph in the slow lane, the other is doing 60kph passing, how much distance is needed for the overtaking truck to get his trailer 20 mtres ahead of the slower truck. A techno wizz could work this out. I cant.

Definitly more ground than this 'slow' lane had.

Personally, I think if the front vehicle is doing a reasonable speed, a lot of the slow lanes are not long enough for more than one car to get past, before the 1st vehicle has to pull back out into the traffic. ( I'm thinking of the Waikato side of the Kaimais here) The slow lanes are on the outside of the corners, ( rt hand), so the main lane vehicle has a tighter radius to go through at a higher speed.

Has anyone else witnessed any close calls with these downhill 'slow traffic' lanes?

I know it comes down to the drivers judgement, but I suspect many drivers misjudge their timing/speed on downhill runs.

If the slower truckkie was not a cunt he would have slowed enough to let the faster one pass safely. Sounds like these two were not useing the CB either

[rebel]

I M O
trucks are "slow' vehicles,
The lane is for slow vehicles, thus both trucks should have been using the slow lane.
The driver of the truck overtaking the first was in the wrong from the start of his attempt,
A good truck driver would have been patient and stayed behind the other,
Like inexperienced riders who want to go fast they take risks, (bike related input) inexperienced truck drivers also want to go fast and take risks.Going down hill, IMO for a truck to attempt to pass another truck in a slow vehicle lane is as bad as overtaking on a blind corner for a motorcyclist .

Wrong on all accounts,
A truck has the right to use a passing lane just as much as anyone else.
Whos to say the truck wasn't an empty tanker or tipper, low COG that will corner quicker than half the brain dead fuckwits on NZ roads mostly seen in econo cars, people movers or small SUVs.
Do yourself a favour and go for a ride in one.

[Road kill]

Just out of interest,,How many of you guys that have commented about what Truck drivers "should do" have actually spent any time driving heavy transport vehicles.

And more to the point, how do "you" feel about non riders passing comment about what modern motorcycle riders "should do" ?

Or are those questions just a bit to close for comfort ?<_<

[BMWST?]

Get big trucks of the roads and use the railway we all have paid for numerous times,problem solved

[sootie]

If anyone thinks all trucks are slow, I suggest they try a drive in to Melbourne around 5am on a weekday & mixing it with the trucks racing in to pick up their daily load for country delivery.

These guys know every inch of the road, their trucks are lightly loaded, and the vehicles are very modern.
I was over the speed limit in the slow lane, and these guys were racing past me even on corners to pick up their loads! I was given the royal command by she who must be obeyed to let them go! :laugh:

[meteor]

Going through the gorge from Opotiki to Gisborne a couple of years back got stuck behind 2 truck and trailer units. Saw passing lane, thought great, but the second truck took the passing lane and I thought oh no but hell, that thing flew. Barreled past the 1st truck, accelerating uphill and beyond. Thing cornered like it was on rails. I was driving my xr8 and I was stretching it's legs to keep up... good effort!

[sootie]

The idea of trucks using passing lanes seems to be a bit complicated really.
Most of the truck drivers I come across are pretty competent professional drivers with good attitudes (but there are some exceptions). I think it is probably best to let these drivers decide what they are going to do for themselves as they currently do. (they are in the best position to understand their truck, the road, and what load they have aboard.) I believe the attitude & standard of driving of truck drivers has improved over the last 20 odd years so we seem to be getting this right.

It would be nice to have more freight being moved by rail though I have to say.

[Kickaha]

It would be nice to have more freight being moved by rail though I have to say.
If rail wasn't so fucking slow and crap it would be

[Jantar]

I have also noticed a big improvement in the standard of truck driving over the past 20 - 30 years. I would now class truckies as generally the best drivers on the roads. There are still a few exceptions, but generally they are courteous, maintain steady speeds and give other traffic room when required.

Bus drivers are the worst drivers. Well certainly in South Island rural areas. Maybe its because they are too distracted giving comentaries to their passengers rather than watching for other traffic, or perhaps they're chosen for their poor driving ability.

[Road kill]

I have also noticed a big improvement in the standard of truck driving over the past 20 - 30 years. I would now class truckies as generally the best drivers on the roads. There are still a few exceptions, but generally they are courteous, maintain steady speeds and give other traffic room when required.

Bus drivers are the worst drivers. Well certainly in South Island rural areas. Maybe its because they are too distracted giving comentaries to their passengers rather than watching for other traffic, or perhaps they're chosen for their poor driving ability.

Odd you should say that,I know two bus drivers that left the company I work for after being put on stone kicking duties due to,,,certain things.

I saw one of them on a foggy morning not long ago with a load of school kids on board,but without his lights on.

I then saw him in town a couple of weeks later,,,apparently he could see just fine.:facepalm:

[madandy]

I was interested in the answer, so here's mine…

Assuming
1. the overtaking truckie anticipates the move and loses no time accelerating

The faster truck starts 10m behind, moves 30m up so both cabs are level, moves another 20m for the length of his own truck and a further 20m so as not to cut off the slower truck when they both move to the same lane, then…

The faster truck has to move en extra 70m on the slower truck at a speed differential of 35km/h. That takes 7.2 seconds to do. At 65km/h the faster truck will travel 120m in that time. Allow 3 secs to pull out and another 3 to pull back in again and a realistic distance used is 220m

The same 2 trucks going 75 and 90, the answer blows out to 570m.

You need to allow more room for the overtaking truck to slow back down to a speed the next bend can be taken at!
Some trucks' engine brakes/divetrain retarders allow a much higher speed to be maintained downhill while keeping full control but one good ask of the brakes when loaded and your emergency brake option is down the gurgler for another 400m(an exampe depending on load/speed/gradient) till the brakes cool off.

To the OP.
The overtaking truck possibly could have done more to make the pass stick more safely and the the driver being passed almost certainly could have helped the situation. I wonder how many seconds the passing driver gained by the time he reached Tauriko.
So often I am passed on SH2 only to pull up alongside or behinda car within minutes of them exhibiting zero patience for a damn near constant 95kh/h...

[caspernz]

Well, interesting to see the diverse opinions here... Soooo, as I've spent about 25 years driving trucks as well as riding bikes, my take on this may be at odds with a few of you. For a short slow vehicle bay on a downhill run, when I'm running loaded I'll give a truck following me a shout on the CB to establish whether the following unit wants to come by, and if so, I'll assist that by backing off a bit more. BUT, if the follower doesn't talk to me I'd be tempted to stay in the main lane so as to keep the whole situation safe, especially when the slow vehicle bay is very short. OR, simply slow down enough to allow the hurry hurry driver to go past...

The Kaimais coming down the Waikato side are a nuisance, the bays are just too short to allow "un-managed" truck/truck overtakes, and as others have mentioned it's also about speed around the corners.

Having just come back from five weeks in Europe, on the shuttle ride home I was once more reminded that lots of Kiwi drivers in general work on the "me-first-sod-you" approach, regardless of what vehicle...:shit::facepalm:

[jasonu]

Just out of interest,,How many of you guys that have commented about what Truck drivers "should do" have actually spent any time driving heavy transport vehicles.

And more to the point, how do "you" feel about non riders passing comment about what modern motorcycle riders "should do" ?

Or are those questions just a bit to close for comfort ?<_<

I spent 3 years deiving a pilot/wide load car for a heavy hauler so not actually having driven a big truck, I have seen first hand how to get one from a to b and all the crap that goes on in between

[rebel]

Get big trucks of the roads and use the railway we all have paid for numerous times,problem solved

you probably don't know the old sayings,
without trucks, NZ stops.,
the only thing not delivered by trucks are babies.

unless you want to return to the 19th century.
people want everything now.
When I was driving I would do (to name one of many routes) Dunedin-Chch-New Ply-Tauranga-Auckland, all within 2 days including rests, same company would also have a unit loaded/delivered door to door Akld-Chch within 20hrs swapping drivers at both islands.

[Road kill]

I spent 3 years deiving a pilot/wide load car for a heavy hauler so not actually having driven a big truck, I have seen first hand how to get one from a to b and all the crap that goes on in between

I did the same for 5 years in Australia,,,I think I had it easier than you did.

Most aussie drivers would actually pull right over or stop,,,certainly not the case here.

Last time I needed a pilot myself we were heading for New Plymouth with some steel mill headers that needed pressure testing,,,just outside Pio Pio a woman in a small car stopped,,the car behind her run straight up the back of her at around 80kms.

That held things up for a while:facepalm:

The Aussies would see flashing lights an the big sign and slow right down or pull over,,,Kiwi's see the same thing but do nothing until they see the load.

It just seems to be trhe Kiwi way to ignore everything until it becomes a problem then they bitch an moan about how it was all somebody elses fault,,never their's.

[FJRider]

I did the same for 5 years in Australia,,,I think I had it easier than you did.

It just seems to be the Kiwi way to ignore everything until it becomes a problem then they bitch an moan about how it was all somebody elses fault,,never their's.

I've driven a few wide/heavy/long loads over the years ... and never had to back up the truck on the road, made a few knobs with caravans/trailers back up though. The Mack approaching at 40 knots make them move pretty quickly ... I moved a house once. (that was fun)

[huff3r]

I did the same for 5 years in Australia,,,I think I had it easier than you did.

Most aussie drivers would actually pull right over or stop,,,certainly not the case here.

Last time I needed a pilot myself we were heading for New Plymouth with some steel mill headers that needed pressure testing,,,just outside Pio Pio a woman in a small car stopped,,the car behind her run straight up the back of her at around 80kms.

That held things up for a while:facepalm:

The Aussies would see flashing lights an the big sign and slow right down or pull over,,,Kiwi's see the same thing but do nothing until they see the load.

It just seems to be trhe Kiwi way to ignore everything until it becomes a problem then they bitch an moan about how it was all somebody elses fault,,never their's.

Doesn't help that "Oversize vehicles" can be anything from slightly over, and therefore not a hint of danger, to a gigantic fricken Catamaran I came across one night. It kinda makes people look twice to see whether it is really worth all the fuss or not.

[FJRider]

Doesn't help that "Oversize vehicles" can be anything from slightly over, and therefore not a hint of danger, to a gigantic fricken Catamaran I came across one night. It kinda makes people look twice to see whether it is really worth all the fuss or not.

Which is just like ignoring roadworks signs ... not often much worth worrying about ... eh .. !!

[awa355]

Well, interesting to see the diverse opinions here... Soooo, as I've spent about 25 years driving trucks as well as riding bikes, my take on this may be at odds with a few of you. For a short slow vehicle bay on a downhill run, when I'm running loaded I'll give a truck following me a shout on the CB to establish whether the following unit wants to come by, and if so, I'll assist that by backing off a bit more. BUT, if the follower doesn't talk to me I'd be tempted to stay in the main lane so as to keep the whole situation safe, especially when the slow vehicle bay is very short. OR, simply slow down enough to allow the hurry hurry driver to go past...

The Kaimais coming down the Waikato side are a nuisance, the bays are just too short to allow "un-managed" truck/truck overtakes, and as others have mentioned it's also about speed around the corners.

Having just come back from five weeks in Europe, on the shuttle ride home I was once more reminded that lots of Kiwi drivers in general work on the "me-first-sod-you" approach, regardless of what vehicle...:shit::facepalm:

The Waikato side is a prime example of downhill 'slow' lanes being to short. A number of trucks ( logging ) are returning empty so aren't holding anybody up by using the fast lane, in fact, they would be one of the quickest vehicles descending the hill. These short lanes are just a place waiting for an accident to happen.

As I said originaly, the downhill overtaking lane is on the outside of the right hand corners , hence faster speeds around a tighter radius for an overtaking vehicle.

Even sitting behind a fully laden truck, it doesn't take long to come off the hill. . Certainly takes less time than a church service.

[huff3r]

Which is just like ignoring roadworks signs ... not often much worth worrying about ... eh .. !!

Difference being, it's not clear what is actually legally required when you come across a pilot vehicle. Do you have to pull over and stop? Or simply excercise caution? Or is it just a warning not to gawk too much when you see the fatty on the road?

[Road kill]

Difference being, it's not clear what is actually legally required when you come across a pilot vehicle. Do you have to pull over and stop? Or simply excercise caution? Or is it just a warning not to gawk too much when you see the fatty on the road?

Common sense or self preservation should be enough on it's own.

But your previous statement does prove my point,people in other countries pull over or stop,,kiwi's seldom do and the one time I've seen somebody stop here,another driver completely fucked things up for her.

The actual requirement is that you slow down,pull to the left and exersize caution,,which Kiwi's just don't do and it's not because they don't understand the law,it just seems a habit with us to wait until we've actually seen the danger with our own eyes before responding..

I mean the sign say's "WIDE LOAD",,so how much more do we really need to just slow down and pull over a little.

BTW,none of that is a crack at you or your comment,it's just a general observation about Kiwi drivers that really shocked me after returning home from several years driving overseas and seeing how much better "they" were than we are.

[FJRider]

Difference being, it's not clear what is actually legally required when you come across a pilot vehicle. Do you have to pull over and stop? Or simply excercise caution? Or is it just a warning not to gawk too much when you see the fatty on the road?

As a general rule ... if the driver of the pilot vehicle tells/signals you to move to the side of the road and/or stop ... it might be a good idea to do so.
But be ready for at least an over-width vehicle. How far over-width may vary .... as may the total weight of the truck and load. But I doubt if the truckie wants a new hood ornament ...

If the pilot vehicle is hoofing along at 90 km/hr ... probably not a lot to worry about. If he's parked in the middle of your lane with his arms waving ... pull over and stop.

This makes interesting reading ...

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/34/sharing-with-oversize-vehicles.html

[wtf?]

Having lived and driven and ridden in both countries, Road Kill is spot on.

Our bullshit PC road signs that slow everyone down from 100 to 40 for 1 pothole repair, and in some cases nothing to slow down for at all only serves to train the motorist that road signs are advisory only.

And yes, the overtaking lanes on the western side of the Kaimais are a bullshit. Roading, the funding for, and its design in NZ are a joke.

[Maha]

Downhill/Uphill or any stinking passing lane...truck drivers that pass (or try to) other trucks need hauling over a then have the crap beaten out of them.
Truck drivers must really get off with thier little micro convoys, all in communication with each other taking the piss out of other road users.
I had it today...three of the fuckers, get to a dual lane area and the last truck pulls out into the passing lane, and didn't even attempt to pass the other cock head.
I counted 25 trucks a couple of months ago between Warkworth and Wellsford...a distance of 18kms, all heading south thank fuck!
A few weeks later, Anne counted 26 (I think) from the tunnels to here...a distance of 17kms..theres enough of those pricks on the road without having to contend with thier bullshit driving habits everytime we join them.

[oneofsix]

Downhill/Uphill or any stinking passing lane...truck drivers that pass (or try to) other trucks need hauling over a then have the crap beaten out of them.
Truck drivers must really get off with thier little micro convoys, all in communication with each other taking the piss out of other raod users.
I had it today...three of the fuckers, get to a dual lane area and the last truck pulls out into the passing lane, and didn't even attempt to pass the other cock head.
I counted 25 trucks a couple of months ago between Warkworth and Wellsford...a distance of 18kms, all heading south thank fuck!
A few weeks later, Anne counted 26 (I think) from the tunnels to here...a distance of 17kms..theres enough of those pricks on the road without having to contend with thier bullshit driving habits everytime we join them.

Take pity on them. They just didn't want some numbnuts getting half through overtaking the line and have to pull in between them thereby breaking apart their nice little convoy. Like I've never seen bikers use this tactic on mass rides. :dodge:

:corn:

Otherwise I agree with you and just goes to show the general lack of sharing and caring on our roads.

[duckonin]

Most Tuckies are arrogant pricks. Professional drivers my arse !!:facepalm: Kaimais/NZ have plenty of them showing the world who is the superior driver.

[Brett]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7vd67lk4jQ

Ghost rider has the answer.

[Kickaha]

Most Tuckies are arrogant pricks.
Substitute motorcyclists for "Truckies" and you'd be on the money to

I read threads like this and think motorcyclists must be the biggest pack of whinging bitches the world has ever seen

[Road kill]

Bit slow children,,the threads 3 pages long an you've only just shown up.

I must say,I am disappointed because I expected Team tosser a lot sooner than this:no::laugh:

[caspernz]

Substitute motorcyclists for "Truckies" and you'd be on the money to

I read threads like this and think motorcyclists must be the biggest pack of whinging bitches the world has ever seen

Plenty of questionable behaviour from bikers as well as truckers in my view, and I reckon after 25 years of being in both groups, I may just be in a position to make an informed comment....:Punk:

But after six weeks in Europe, the basic observation is quite simple...NZ driving standards are a bit of a laugh, regardless of the vehicle operated :facepalm:

[rebel]

Downhill/Uphill or any stinking passing lane...truck drivers that pass (or try to) other trucks need hauling over a then have the crap beaten out of them.
Truck drivers must really get off with thier little micro convoys, all in communication with each other taking the piss out of other raod users.
I had it today...three of the fuckers, get to a dual lane area and the last truck pulls out into the passing lane, and didn't even attempt to pass the other cock head.
I counted 25 trucks a couple of months ago between Warkworth and Wellsford...a distance of 18kms, all heading south thank fuck!
A few weeks later, Anne counted 26 (I think) from the tunnels to here...a distance of 17kms..theres enough of those pricks on the road without having to contend with thier bullshit driving habits everytime we join them.


fucksakes, go a week without trucks and you'll be throwing a bigger tantrum than that shit above, no tampons, or anything else on the supermarket shelves for you...

[Berries]

fucksakes, go a week without trucks and you'll be throwing a bigger tantrum than that shit above, no tampons, or anything else on the supermarket shelves for you...
Not a bad analogy, seeing as all truck drivers are cunts.

[BMWST?]

you probably don't know the old sayings,
without trucks, NZ stops.,
the only thing not delivered by trucks are babies.

unless you want to return to the 19th century.
people want everything now.
When I was driving I would do (to name one of many routes) Dunedin-Chch-New Ply-Tauranga-Auckland, all within 2 days including rests, same company would also have a unit loaded/delivered door to door Akld-Chch within 20hrs swapping drivers at both islands.

I didn't say get rid of trucks I said put more main highway freight on rail

[madandy]

Thats the first time today I've been called a cunt!:laugh:

I think most anti-truck posters in this thread must also be cunts :sunny:

Maybe its just the cunts intrucks that dont have bikes that are the real cunts and therefore those who ride bikes and tar all truck drivers with the same brush are also cunts.

Did I just say the same thing to differnt ways? What a cunt :innocent:

[Berries]

Thats the first time today I've been called a cunt!:laugh:
Day off was it?

[madandy]

I didn't say get rid of trucks I said put more main highway freight on rail

You'd be amazed how much does go on rail. We need a second rail line and a few billion put back into rail. Shit kiwi rail just closed anther line:laugh:

I'm an ownerdriver with Mainfreight, in Mt. Maunganui. I drive a truck & trailer servicing Bethlehem, Te Puna and Katikati. No rail service there anymore:no:
We get a dozen or so Linehaul units in between midnight and mid morning plus 2-4 50" rail wagons. Then send out another dozen or 2 road units while the sun is up and load containers and wagons out onrail too. the quantity of freight Mainfreight loads onto rail might surprise you! And they've been building depots on rail sidings Since thebeginning.

[madandy]

Day off was it?

Nah but I only did 12 hours today. :sunny:

[Brett]

NZ driving standards are a bit of a laugh, regardless of the vehicle operated :facepalm:

and THAT right there is the heart of the real issue.

[swbarnett]

and THAT right there is the heart of the real issue.
Close, but not cigar... The real issue is that we seem to live in a society where the underlying philosophy is that of rampant individualism. I'm all for trumpeting the rights of the individual. But that has to be tempered with a respect for the right of all to exist.

We seem to have forgotten that, we ALL have a right to use the road. Not just the faster vehicles but also the laden truckie, campervanner, slowpoke cager etc...

[scumdog]

Close, but not cigar... The real issue is that we seem to live in a society where the underlying philosophy is that of rampant individualism. I'm all for trumpeting the rights of the individual. But that has to be tempered with a respect for the right of all to exist.

We seem to have forgotten that, we ALL have a right to use the road. Not just the faster vehicles but also the laden truckie, campervanner, slowpoke cager etc...


Yep, compared to a lot of other countries we (NZ) are pretty immature and selfish.

And not just with our road-use.

[Rhys]

Yep, compared to a lot of other countries we (NZ) are pretty immature and selfish.

And not just with our road-use.

If you are holding up other road uses then pull over and let them pass ! problem solved

[swbarnett]

If you are holding up other road uses then pull over and let them pass ! problem solved
Doesn't that just illustrate the problem. The assumption that road users being held up have more right to the road than those in front.

Yes, there are road users that, for reasons of incompetance or downright arrogance shouldn't be there (or at leaset should be pulling over at every opportunity). However, there is another, probably far larger, group of slower road users that has every right to be doing what they're doing at the speed they're doing it.

[FJRider]

Doesn't that just illustrate the problem. The assumption that road users being held up have more right to the road than those in front.

Yes, there are road users that, for reasons of incompetance or downright arrogance shouldn't be there (or at leaset should be pulling over at every opportunity). However, there is another, probably far larger, group of slower road users that has every right to be doing what they're doing at the speed they're doing it.

There is legislation that forbids anyone to "Impede the flow of traffic" ... usually enforced only when it is done by choice/stupidity. As opposed to it being impractical ... or a simple inability to move over.

Some (usually the ones behind) just can't tell the difference.

[Jantar]

Doesn't that just illustrate the problem. The assumption that road users being held up have more right to the road than those in front.
..........
There is no assumption that those being held up have more right to the road than those in front. Rather it those ones who are impeding others that are assuming they have more right. All road users have equal rights, including the right Not to be impeded in their travels.

There is another side to the coin as well. Slower drivers should not have to put up with tailgaters. Just as faster drivers should expect slower ones to show them courtesy by pulling over, faster drivers should show similar courtesy to slower drivers by maitaining a safe following distance.

[Road kill]

There is legislation that forbids anyone to "Impede the flow of traffic" ... usually enforced only when it is done by choice/stupidity. As opposed to it being impractical ... or a simple inability to move over.

Some (usually the ones behind) just can't tell the difference.

It's hardly that simple.

I tend to travel just below the speed limit in or on whatever I might be riding/driving,,and I get a constant stream of tailgating traffic wanting to pass me.

Quite frankly "all" these people are inconsiderate criminals that show no respect or consideration toward others,so I'm not going to give them the respect and consideration their not willing to give me.

I don't give a shit what kind of vehicle it is,,the speed limit is either 90 or 100kph,,,not 110 or what ever the tosser on the japo sport bike or shit heap import wants it to be just for him.

Fuck em' em' all,,,I'm in the right under the law,,,they can kiss my arse,,,the longer the better.:corn:

[FJRider]

It's hardly that simple.

I tend to travel just below the speed limit in or on whatever I might be riding/driving,,and I get a constant stream of tailgating traffic wanting to pass me.

Quite frankly "all" these people are inconsiderate criminals that show no respect or consideration toward others,so I'm not going to give them the respect and consideration their not willing to give me.

I don't give a shit what kind of vehicle it is,,the speed limit is either 90 or 100kph,,,not 110 or what ever the tosser on the japo sport bike or shit heap import wants it to be just for him.

Fuck em' em' all,,,I'm in the right under the law,,,they can kiss my arse,,,the longer the better.:corn:

I see it a lot down here too. They make a huge effort to pass a few slower vehicles (a few km's under the limit) then turn off onto a side road/house/shop later ... while they're just 30 seconds ahead. All the risk in overtaking, and extra fuel cost with the brief higher speed to pass (often well over the limit) hardly makes 30 seconds gained ... worth the effort.

Or am I missing something ... ???

[Road kill]

I see it a lot down here too. They make a huge effort to pass a few slower vehicles (a few km's under the limit) then turn off onto a side road/house/shop later ... while they're just 30 seconds ahead. All the risk in overtaking, and extra fuel cost with the brief higher speed to pass (often well over the limit) hardly makes 30 seconds gained ... worth the effort.

Or am I missing something ... ???

Nah your not missing anything,,and I've calmed down a bit now anyway:o

Had to be at Onehunga "Toll" early this morning,so I'm cruising along in the left hand lane doing 90km on the dot.

Somebody,,,in a small car crosses from the out side lane across the center,cut's me off an dives up the Otahuhu off ramp.

I saw the fool coming when he was still a K behind me and at 4.30am there just wasn't that much traffic and no reason not to simply come up behind me an then shoot off the inside.

Nope this fool has to be in front,,,for .2 of a second.

[Brett]

Doesn't that just illustrate the problem. The assumption that road users being held up have more right to the road than those in front.

Yes, there are road users that, for reasons of incompetance or downright arrogance shouldn't be there (or at leaset should be pulling over at every opportunity). However, there is another, probably far larger, group of slower road users that has every right to be doing what they're doing at the speed they're doing it.

Agreed, everyone has the right to travel how they wish...as long as it is safe. If you're going slow enough that you're holding traffic up...that's unsafe. It's a simple common courtesy...basic manners. Just like letting the person with 2 items go in front of you at the supermarket when you have a full trolley. It's like those muppets who sit at 95kph in the right hand lane on the motorway, going slower than the lane on their left. There is no legitimate excuse for that...other than a) incompetence and b) rudeness/arrogance.

[Berries]

It's a simple common courtesy...basic manners. Just like letting the person with 2 items go in front of you at the supermarket when you have a full trolley.
Eh? People with two items can fuck right off to the 12 items or less till or the self serve*. They have options which do not exist on the road unless you have five lanes each way.


* Unless very old or very pretty, I'm not a complete prick.

[swbarnett]

Agreed, everyone has the right to travel how they wish...as long as it is safe. If you're going slow enough that you're holding traffic up...that's unsafe. It's a simple common courtesy...basic manners. Just like letting the person with 2 items go in front of you at the supermarket when you have a full trolley. It's like those muppets who sit at 95kph in the right hand lane on the motorway, going slower than the lane on their left. There is no legitimate excuse for that...other than a) incompetence and b) rudeness/arrogance.
Yes, there are a lot of incompitent and arrogant road users out there. However, there are also those that are slow by the nature of the vehicle they're in/on and their driving/riding experience. A laden truck should not be expected to drive in the gutter just so that we can zip past. Likewise someone on an L plate still has the right to ride in a safe manner even if this means they can't go as fast as we would like on a certain road. Then there's the cyclist that simply can't do anywhere near 100k. On some roads it's not practical or safe to allow enough room for a car to pass.

[FJRider]

A laden truck should not be expected to drive in the gutter just so that we can zip past. Likewise someone on an L plate still has the right to ride in a safe manner even if this means they can't go as fast as we would like on a certain road.

If that truck was to pull over onto the edge of the road ... anything behind is likely to get a facefull of gravel. Then winge about a broken windscreen :blink: :facepalm:

I guess you cant please everybody ... :shifty: :laugh:

[Jantar]

.... there are also those that are slow by the nature of the vehicle they're in/on and their driving/riding experience. .....
I often drive a slow vehicle towing a laden horse float or my glider trailer. I always try and let faster vehicles pass and it doesn't cause me to have to hug the side of the road with the left wheels in the gravel. I use the rule of 5: ie 5 vehicles behind me I pull over imediately; 4 vehicles behind, I pull over within 1 minute; 3 vehicles behind, I pull over within 2 minutes etc. So of course 0 vehicles behind, I don't need to pull over at all. This doesn't preclude me from always using the slow vehicle lane where it is available even when there is only a single vehicle behind.

Last year when I towed a glider trailer from Stratford to Taupo to Wellington then Picton to Murchison to Hamner Springs then Alexandra my wife and I kept a count of how often I had to pull left to let faster vehicles past, and how much time it added to the journey. We were pleasantly suprised by the numbers. I can't remember the exact figures from a year ago, but I can confirm that we never had more than 3 vehicles waiting to pass, and using 20 seconds loss to slow down, pull over and get back up to speed, we estimated that it only added maybe 45 minutes over 6 days of slow vehicle driving.

[Brett]

Yes, there are a lot of incompitent and arrogant road users out there. However, there are also those that are slow by the nature of the vehicle they're in/on and their driving/riding experience. A laden truck should not be expected to drive in the gutter just so that we can zip past. Likewise someone on an L plate still has the right to ride in a safe manner even if this means they can't go as fast as we would like on a certain road. Then there's the cyclist that simply can't do anywhere near 100k. On some roads it's not practical or safe to allow enough room for a car to pass.

Of course common sense should prevail.I don't think that anyone is suggesting that a laden truck drives into the ditch to let another road user passed. However, that same truck pulling out to overtake another slower truck on an overtaking lane and preventing all of the traffic that the two trucks have built up behind them is also non-sensical.

Believe me, I am not saying that drivers of heavy, vehicles should travel faster than they are safe doing. Just last Thursday I was witness to a truck vs. 4x4 head-on in which two babies/toddlers were badly hurt, (one trapped and had to be freed) as well as a teenage girl who was trapped inside the passenger compartment and bleeding out..ultimately dying at the scene. I am well aware of the carnage that can be wrought.

[Banditbandit]

Of course common sense should prevail.

Commonsense ??? Sheesh judging by trhe driving behaviour out there "common sense" is a damn low and risky standard

I want somthing a little better than common sense.

[Banditbandit]

It's hardly that simple.

I tend to travel just below the speed limit in or on whatever I might be riding/driving,,and I get a constant stream of tailgating traffic wanting to pass me.

Quite frankly "all" these people are inconsiderate criminals that show no respect or consideration toward others,so I'm not going to give them the respect and consideration their not willing to give me.

I don't give a shit what kind of vehicle it is,,the speed limit is either 90 or 100kph,,,not 110 or what ever the tosser on the japo sport bike or shit heap import wants it to be just for him.

Fuck em' em' all,,,I'm in the right under the law,,,they can kiss my arse,,,the longer the better.:corn:

Well fuck you too arsehole.

I don't give a shit either - and I haven't found the speed limit on my 1250 (on my 650 it's prolly just under 200 klicks) ... if you sit just under the legal speed limit then all you'll see of me is my arse as I go passed ...

Kiss your arse??? Long gone up the road mate ..

[Brett]

It's hardly that simple.

I tend to travel just below the speed limit in or on whatever I might be riding/driving,,and I get a constant stream of tailgating traffic wanting to pass me.

Quite frankly "all" these people are inconsiderate criminals that show no respect or consideration toward others,so I'm not going to give them the respect and consideration their not willing to give me.

I don't give a shit what kind of vehicle it is,,the speed limit is either 90 or 100kph,,,not 110 or what ever the tosser on the japo sport bike or shit heap import wants it to be just for him.

Fuck em' em' all,,,I'm in the right under the law,,,they can kiss my arse,,,the longer the better.:corn:

Either this is a wind-up...or you're retarded. In the event of the latter: you get a stream of traffic on your arse wanting to pass you because you're a shithouse driver/rider, one who is a danger on the roads with an attitude like that. (holding people up just "because"). Oh, and your grammar in that post is shit too.

Edit...now your username actually makes sense.

[Maha]

Well fuck you too arsehole.

I don't give a shit either - and I haven't found the speed limit on my 1250 (on my 650 it's prolly just under 200 klicks) ... if you sit just under the legal speed limit then all you'll see of me is my arse as I go passed ...

Kiss your arse??? Long gone up the road mate ..

His POS work vehicle is Governed to 90kph....sucks to be him.