| |
Sharing the road with Oversize Vehicles.
Oversize vehicles are a vital part of the rural development in Western Australia. WA is a huge state and road transport is the only way some items can be transported around the state. Just have a look at some of the huge mining trucks. There are many types of wide vehicles, all of which display a sign indicating that the vehicle is greater than the standard width or length. The standard width for a truck is usually no more than 2.5 metres wide and cars are around 1.9 metres wide. MEETING AN OVERSIZE VEHICLE - Headlights on and OVERSIZE sign displayed.
This indicates the vehicle (or load actually) is up to half a metre wider than the normal vehicle width and/or 22 to 25 metres long. When you meet this vehicle, take care and keep to the left (or right for International readers who drive on the right hand side of the road). - Headlights on and an amber rotating beacon.
This indicates the load is up to 3.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is longer than 25 metres.Slow down and pass with care – you should be able to keep to the made surface of the sealed road. - Headlights on, an amber rotating beacon and a pilot vehicle in front with amber beacons and OVERSIZE VEHICLE FOLLOWING signs..
This indicates the load is up to 4.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is up to 30 metres long.You should slow down and be prepared to move off the side of the road. When you do this be aware of loose gravel on the side of the road and of course and guideposts, drains, culverts etc. - Headlights on, OVERSIZE signs, an amber rotating beacon and a pilot vehicle in front with amber beacons, flashing headlights and OVERSIZE VEHICLE FOLLOWING signs. There will also be a pilot vehicle with amber beacons and flashing headlights at the rear of the vehicle.
This indicates the load is up to 5.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is up to 30 metres long.You should slow down and be prepared to move off the side of the road. When you do this be aware of loose gravel on the side of the road and of course and guideposts, drains, culverts etc - Headlights on, OVERSIZE signs, an amber rotating beacon, a pilot vehicle in front with amber beacons, flashing headlights and OVERSIZE VEHICLE FOLLOWING signs and a Police escort with blue and red flashing lights. There will also be a pilot vehicle with amber beacons and flashing headlights at the rear.
This indicates the load is over 5.5 metres wide and/or the vehicle is over 30 metres long.You should slow down move off the side of the road. When you do this be aware of loose gravel on the side of the road and of course and guideposts, drains, culverts etc. and wait for a signal from the rear pilot before moving back onto the road.
Note – Pilot vehicles are usually some distance in front of the loads to give you plenty of warning. So slow down and stay at a lower speed until you have passed the oversize vehicle. Further Note – Sometimes two large travel in convoy with one another and may be escorted by only one pilot where applicable. Normally, the two loads are not too far apart, but with normal road conditions and traffic etc this may cause them to be further apart than usual. Be aware of this and make sure the road is clear ahead before pulling back onto the road to ensure the second vehicle has had time to pass, particularly when there is no rear pilot vehicle. Additional Further Note – When meeting a wide vehicle (or any vehicle for that matter) on a narrow sealed section of road, slow down and move as far left as practicable. This will reduce flying debris like stones that can cause your windscreen to break and dust which could impair your vision. OVERTAKING AN OVERSIZE VEHICLE - The most important thing is to BE PATIENT. Overtake when a safe opportunity arises via an overtaking land or break in oncoming traffic. Where it is possible, the drivers will normally give you plenty of chances to overtake.
- Stating the obvious – only overtake when the road is clear. If you are towing a caravan or trailer, make sure you can see a long way ahead (normally at least 1km).
- Never overtake an oversize vehicle at an intersection, because this vehicle may have to turn left from the right hand lane or right from the left hand lane.
- Remember to give big vehicles plenty of room to stop or slow down.
- When you do decide to overtake – do so with confidence.
- A little warning, be prepared for wind buffeting (or lack of it) when you are overtaking.
- You should allow the oversize vehicle to stay on the sealed section of the road.
- When you do get past the vehicle and move back into the left hand lane, allow enough room for the the vehicle and pilot – don’t cut them off even though you should be travelling at a faster pace.
Note – Waiting a few seconds could not only save your life but lives of other road users. Have a look at where Our Tours go in Western Australia where we meet a lot of oversize vehicles.
|
