If I had to count the number of cars I see in a day I’d run out of fingers really quickly. If I counted the number of cars I’ve passed in the last six months, having done more than 100,000 kilometres, I think my head would turn into a singularity much to Steven Hawkins’ disgust.
The ones that stand out are usually the really bad drivers but the other day, whilst I was climbing over the top of the Moonbi range I was struck my the good driving habits being displayed by two small motor homes. They were using their UHF radios to communicate and keeping at eat a truck length apart whilst maintaining a constant speed never exceeding 90 kph. They were a delight to go past, slipping past one with plenty of throttle left and ducking into the tailor made gap between them before doing it all again for the lead vehicle. Thanks guys, top job. Let’s hope this catches on with the caravan mob.
Another vehicle I passed on the same trip was a small camper van. They tried to do the right thing and god bless them for trying but they got it all wrong. As I followed them for a while, knowing there wasn’t a suitable place to pass for quite some time they took the initiative and kept hesitating on the accelerator and ducking left onto the shoulder. It wasn’t safe enough so I would go but instead kept ending up too close to them for safety. Finally the opportunity presented itself and out and about I went. They tried to do the right thing again and eased off, which was good but they ducked to the left again onto the shoulder. Sound helpful but they vanished from my mirrors meaning I had to stay out in the oncoming lane until I could get a visual on them.
Maintain you speed, don’t panic and keep doing whatever you’re doing and let us work out the tough stuff.
Unfortunately the good impression of small vehicle drivers was tarnished by the idiot that overtook me on a double lane going down the Cunning ham Gap. The view from the helipad would be awesome but you won’t see much from inside a body bag (I can guarantee that as I’ve been zipped in one before) not to mention the damage to your little green Mazda sports car.
Whilst I’m on the topic of stupid drivers, five points goes to the representative of the constabulary in the Quirind car that overtook me, after one previously aborted attempt, whilst I was up on the limiter (103 kph approx) in a 100 kph zone. He would have to have been doing at least 110 kph and we were on a newly surfaced section of road. Visibility was good but is this the example we want to display to the road users. You’ve got POLICE written all over your car and you’re doing the wrong thing. If it’s urgent, go code red, otherwise obey the rules you uphold.
Finally, a couple of tips for all the mums and dads poking around the highways and byways of our great nation during these school holidays. I understand you’re out of your comfort zone so please understand when I curse at you…
Step 1: On the side of the road you will see a sign with a number inside a red ring. The number always ends in zero to keep it simple. Remember this number.
Step 2: Now look at you speedo and locate this number or a lower one.
Step 3: Use the accelerator (on the far right) and the brake (middle in a manual, left in an auto) to make the orange stick thingy line up with the number. Please use the pedals one at a time!
Step 4: Maintain the orange stick thingy in the chosen position even if a truck comes along side and you feel compelled to use accelerator only.
Follow these few simple steps and you’ll have a great day.
Safe driving and remember to keep it shiny side up.