GazzaH
22nd November 2018, 11:03
This part of NZ is infested with logging trucks, usually driven "enthusiastically" but reasonably professionally (on the whole) by large smiling gentlemen in something of a hurry to reach the port.
Most trucks pull two articulated trailers, each full of ~6m logs. This isn't about them.
Some carry extra long logs, something like 10 or 12m I guess, with the rear-end supported on an articulated bogey trailer thing with a turntable supporting a cradle holding the logs. That turntable lets the cab pull and turn the rear bogey around corners, while the logs remain straight - handy that ... except if you happen to be passing one in an adjacent lane as it makes a tight turn, for instance at a junction near us. As the truckie makes his turn, the arse end of the logs swing out substantially (maybe 2m?) into the adjacent lane, at about head height. Big heavy aint-even-gonna-flinch logs specifically chosen because of their straightness and length.
So far I have been alert enough to spot the danger ahead of me, slow down and duck at the right moment. I'm always wary of big trucks anyway having seen more than enough close calls.
The problem doesn't appear to be bad driving, overloading or loads extending well beyond the rear bogey: when parked in a straight line (e.g. on the VTNZ truck certification lane or a popo checkpoint), it all fits neatly. The problem is that the turntable is maybe 3 or 4 metres before the end of the bogey and the logs, creating the overhang when turning. It's a fundamental design flaw. The log ends whip out quickly too, so anyone idly riding swiftly past at just the wrong moment doesn't stand a chance.
I've called NZTA about it and will be emailing in a complaint with details, ideally with the number plate of an offending truck doing the circuit near us and maybe if I have time some photos or video at the junction or nearer the port showing the swing action. Meanwhile, if any of youse have seen the same thing, especially if you have dashcam footage and first-hand near-death experiences to relate, please get in touch (gary@isect.com). The NZTA lady on the phone gave me the strong impression that so long as the trailer was certified, within spec and being loaded & operated correctly, there's nothing wrong here.
Perhaps NZTA really don't like us bikers.
Take care out there. Don't forget: duck the truck.
Most trucks pull two articulated trailers, each full of ~6m logs. This isn't about them.
Some carry extra long logs, something like 10 or 12m I guess, with the rear-end supported on an articulated bogey trailer thing with a turntable supporting a cradle holding the logs. That turntable lets the cab pull and turn the rear bogey around corners, while the logs remain straight - handy that ... except if you happen to be passing one in an adjacent lane as it makes a tight turn, for instance at a junction near us. As the truckie makes his turn, the arse end of the logs swing out substantially (maybe 2m?) into the adjacent lane, at about head height. Big heavy aint-even-gonna-flinch logs specifically chosen because of their straightness and length.
So far I have been alert enough to spot the danger ahead of me, slow down and duck at the right moment. I'm always wary of big trucks anyway having seen more than enough close calls.
The problem doesn't appear to be bad driving, overloading or loads extending well beyond the rear bogey: when parked in a straight line (e.g. on the VTNZ truck certification lane or a popo checkpoint), it all fits neatly. The problem is that the turntable is maybe 3 or 4 metres before the end of the bogey and the logs, creating the overhang when turning. It's a fundamental design flaw. The log ends whip out quickly too, so anyone idly riding swiftly past at just the wrong moment doesn't stand a chance.
I've called NZTA about it and will be emailing in a complaint with details, ideally with the number plate of an offending truck doing the circuit near us and maybe if I have time some photos or video at the junction or nearer the port showing the swing action. Meanwhile, if any of youse have seen the same thing, especially if you have dashcam footage and first-hand near-death experiences to relate, please get in touch (gary@isect.com). The NZTA lady on the phone gave me the strong impression that so long as the trailer was certified, within spec and being loaded & operated correctly, there's nothing wrong here.
Perhaps NZTA really don't like us bikers.
Take care out there. Don't forget: duck the truck.