There’s been yet another fatal accident on the Bruce Highway, and a local MP is now begging people to stop making dangerous decisions, saying grey nomads and impatient drivers are putting the community at risk.
On Saturday, a 70-year-old man died after the dual cab he was driving while towing a trailer was involved in a head-on collision with a sedan. The crash near Clement prompted Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto to declare enough was enough.
Back in June, Mr Dametto was one of the first on scene at a triple fatal accident at Mutranee, and he says the experience has totally changed his perspective.
Mr Dametto, who drives the stretch of the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham three to four times a week said he would see one or two ‘near misses’ a trip.
He said the two biggest problems were grey nomads, who chose to drive under the speed limit, and frustrated other drivers.
“Those same vehicles that weave in and out end up bunched together at the Jensen lights as they are coming into Townsville,” Mr Dametto said. “No one is gaining anything.”
Mr Dametto pleaded with people to ‘stop taking risks’.
“More needs to be done to ensure people that are on the highway are adhering to the 100km speed limit,” he said. “I appreciate (grey nomads) are trying to save fuel … but it’s triggering some of this risky behaviour.”
Almost $367m is currently being spent to make the stretch of highway between Townsville and Ingham safer, with more works slated for the future.
Now, Transport and Main Roads has reaffirmed its commitment to making North Queensland roads safer.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those involved in the weekend’s crash on the Bruce Highway at Clement, which has sadly resulted in one fatality,” a spokesman said. “Every death or serious injury is one too many, and we are committed to reducing the state’s road toll … we are demonstrating this commitment through continued record investment in roads and transport projects throughout regional Queensland to improve the safety, capacity and resilience of our roads.”
Impatience & silly decisions & inattention are what causes accidents not slow driving
Exactly Stew. Mr Dametto needs to learn the road rules. The majority of vans are not legally allowed to travel over 100kph which is below a lot of speed limits. Driving with a van over 90kph can contribute to caravan sway and possible jack knifing.
Absolute Rubbish. The modern Vans of today are perfectly capable of Highway speeds. It’s the drivers who overload them and their vehicle and who don’t pay any attention to correctly equipping the rear ends of their tugs to tow level. We’ve all seen them on the road. And I tow a 25′ Van. I’m talking about the vehicles that tow so close to their max weights and are underpowered to do anything in the event of trouble.
Not rubbish at all, I drive road trains for a living covering about 5000 ks a week. It’s common to see these grey nomads sitting up to 20 ks below posted limit for their combination
Not everyone has a 600hp Cummings sitting in their car .road trains have big motors to do their job of hauling .when you retire and want to do the lap .why rush…why should you go out and buy a v8 landcruiser. Some people just want to cruise and see our great country. I’m a retired truck driver with a 27 foot van and a 100 series landcruiser I’m in no rush to get from a to b but I’m always courteous to other drivers…it’s not the trukies or the grey nomads fault it’s the roads in Oz are shit .build better roads with more overtaking lands and we won’t have a problem..
Tony, I sympathise with you.
I am a grey nomad, I tow a 6.5m rig at lower then normal speeds.
But, I listen to my UHF, I watch my mirrors and I tow responcibly.
If there are more then 3 vehicles behind me, I will pull over at the next opportunity. Should a truck approach, I will call him and ask should he require assistance to pass me. He always controls the manoeuvre but I usually tell him that I will ease off when he decides to go.
On the flip side there are many drivers that hog the road and won”‘t overtake even when an opportunity arises but delay until a passing lane appears.
The highway is used as a means to go from one point to another. If the posted speed limit is 100kph it does not mean you have to drive at that speed. Drivers need to accept they will meet all kinds of driving conditions on the open road. The driver who does not drive to those conditions is the one who is likely to cause an incident. I don’t complain about truck drivers crawling their way through hills and windy roads, I accept that is what happens with trucks. People need to accept that a van driver may drive slower than the posted speed limit. Be patient and everyone will get there safely.
Absolute rubbish??
The faster you travel the less time you have to brake and the bigger the impact.
Rule apples to what ever you drive.
Faster you drive the worse the accident will be
Absolutely – drive to your abilities – everyone is entitled to use of roads and shouldn’t be pushed to drive over their “safe”speed. Mr Damettis stupid comment that Grey Nomads are trying to save on fuel costs is rediculous, ignorant and shows a complete lack of knowledge.
Driving overloaded is one thing, driving dangerously at the speed LIMIT is just as bad. Slow down – you are an accident ready to happen.
Sorry but even though caravans might be capable of of high it is the driving conditions that regulate speed. Cross winds demand you slow down a bit. So does fog and rain etc. It is a speed limit. M3aning do not go over it.
We’ll hear from you sooner or later with a different point of view. Slow down Mr Ricciardo
That’s a lot of biased rubbish, a speed limit is just that. A vehicle of any type may not exceed that speed but can be driven more slowly.
Anyone who thinks that they can have three tonnes and more attached to the rear of their independent vehicle and be in complete control of that mass is dreaming, knowing human reaction times to various situations and speeds should be understood.
Right on! Grant
At last someone with sense.
Hi all, I agree, Nick the dumb pollie needs to understand the best thing you may be able to do for a HV is to drive under the speed limit and allow them some “room” to go around you.
Having driven RT’s Sydney to Darwin, the biggest idiots are the impatient clowns, and they are the ones who generally walk away from road trauma,
Only if it is not loaded properly!! I tow at 100kph whenever possible and never had a problem apart from the nuppties towing vans at 85kph on a major highway…
So in your opinion anyone towing a van under the speed limit is a nuptie. A classical example of why there are accidents on the highway. Drivers expecting others to comply with what they want and not to the conditions on the road. Who’s the nutpie.
Typical politician who does not know what they are talking about.
according to Google its 1Hour 24Min from ingham to Townsville if you drive at 90k thats 10% under speed limit therefore it will take 8.4min longer wow people must have very busy lives not to allow enough time Gerard
Yes! and I often see these people have needed to pull over to take a rest therefore Loosing any gains they have made and putting peoples lives at risk by their excess speeding!
Very true Vince,cruise control or normal control I sit on 90-92,yet still get overtaken by c/vans doing way over that.When possible I let the truckies past but in the main I stick to my speed
Me too! Grant
Not so , loaded correctly. Anti sway bars on your tow vehicle, make a 90klm in a 100klm zone so much safer.i have on dash cam idiot car drivers nearly causing accidents due too distance misjudging.
Our sentiments exactly.
Agree the road needs to be improved so drivers do not have to take risks. A spped limit is just that -A Limit- not a minimum requirement.
That particular stretch of road is smooth, flat and straight with good visibility. Straight and flat enough that when cycling along there I can usually see the tail lights for several minutes after being passed.
This is what entices most drivers to travel at well over the speed limit. A radar trap between the two towns would probably catch half the drivers exceeding the limit. That we have multiple people die between Townsville & Ingham each year is not the fault of the road, it’s the actions of those who use it.
exactly right. it is the MAXIMUM. I have a brand new MUX and it recommends 90klm as the maximun tow speed.
I have stuck behind slow cars ,wideloads, old rocks and farmers Ute’s a lot more than caravans. Whilst the is no minimum. speed police can still prosecute if you were creating a toad risk. ie doing 20ks down a narrow 100k road and holding up 100s of cars.
what about bikes that are entitled to ride 2 ababreast or 50cc scooters limited to 60ks.
Get over it!! We are all entitled to use the road it is a common infrastructre for all our benefit. Bring back horses and buggies and the you would have to deal with sh%t as well
we
All these people saying the posted speed is a maximum not a minimum, you have little understanding of how the transport industry works. Those trucks you are holding up carrying your groceries etc have time slots they must achieve. McDonalds as an example do not accept the load if it is delivered outside the drivers designated time slot.
So your high and mighty attitude means you cause penalties to those who can’t make their time slots due to your arrogance. People way smarter than you set those speed limits taking road condition among many other things into consideration. If you can’t maintain the speed limit stay off the road.
The sooner a towing licence is introduced the sooner hopefully all you incompetent drivers will be off the road.
Now wait for the barrage of idiot responses.
Do away with “Time slots”, just because your truck will sit on 100 doesn’t mean you should drive at that speed all the time. Your’e hurrying to Maccas FFS, who in their right mind would be in a rush to buy their s..t? PS truck driver for 40 years now got a motor home.
To say that all drivers that do not drive at the speed limit are incompetent is rather harsh. I choose to drive below the speed limit and do not feel the need to explain why I make this decision. There is nothing in the road rules that say that driving at the speed limit is mandatory. I understand that heavy vehicle drivers are working and call them on the radio offering to slow down if they wish to overtake. I know that the majority of light vehicle drivers are travelling over the speed limit, so what is their excuse other than poor planning.
This is one of the reasons I got out of trucks. Absolutely ridiculous time frames and slots. Usually made by people that had never driven large vehicles. As for the speed limit, it is a maximum speed to be driven. As for the state of the roads, well they aren’t getting any better but the speed limit signs don’t change with road conditions. As for NUFTIES that get frustrated and make bad decisions due to someone driving legally whatever speed does NOT make those idiots make those decisions to be dangerous on the roads.
I totally agree with Rod’s comments – Those individuals setting the targets and time slots have little understanding of the real facts of life on the road.
As I understand the systems that allocate these time frames they are computer generated and take little considerations of road and weather conditions. Fatigue management had to be mandated to force the schedulers and the company management to take into consideration work lifestyle balances and although a significant improvement on what previously existed pales into insignificance of that required by an equally critical industry – that of Aviation. – The management of driver fatigue needs to be updated for both Truckies and the broader driving community perhaps to the extent that learner drivers need to demonstrate more understanding of the subject.
Unfortunately it is equally the governments fault for not resourcing appropriate/sufficient rest areas for both commercial and recreational sectors.
Finally there is significant “lessons to learn” from each and every accident/fatality – the results of those investigations should be publicly available (similar to that of aviation, marine and rail accidents) since they should identify the true root cause as well as all the other causal factors. – this way the results could be educational and reduce the likelihood of similar accidents. Unfortunately they are squirrelled away and only available (at some cost) under FOI and often significantly redacted –
they would do well to follow the precepts of the ATSB
The ATSB’s function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport through excellence in:
independent investigation of transport accidents and other safety occurrences
safety data recording, analysis and research
fostering safety awareness, knowledge and action.
In the aviation transport mode, the ATSB conduct ‘no blame’ aviation safety investigations in accordance with the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (TSI Act). The ATSB does not investigate for the purpose of taking administrative, regulatory or criminal action.
Hi Rod, your comment about those setting the times does not only apply to trucks. I drove buses for 8 years and the routes and timetables for the Brisbane area I drove were set from “somebody” in Sydney head office – go figure!
Yea , nothing worse than not getting that burger and fries on time?! This “timeframe” is another way to screw truckies even more. Look at the guy in Melbourne who killed the police officers on the freeway- he was sticking to a ” schedule” too. Let’s all chill, we have been through so much this last two years and remember that that “grey nomad ” and his wife are someone’s grandad , dad , brother , friend -slow down now! I just wish we could vaccinate against dangerous practices -I refer to the followed and the following.!!
So you plan your trip time based on the maximum speed limit and no account for traffic, weather or vehicle issues enroute.
I tow a single axle van and recently did the section, of what is a poor excuse for a national highway between Proserpine and Mackay. I was sitting on 100kls and a semi was tail gating me. I had no chance to pull off as he would have ended up hitting me. If we had double lanes ,as they do from Gladstone down we wouldn’t have this problem.
This is why WA truck drivers are so superior to Qld truck drivers. All QLD truck drivers should take lessons from WA truckies. They are pure gentlemen compared to QLD. If it can be done over West it can be done in the East. And for the record there are plenty of caravans in the West.
absolute rubbish . last week end i was 11th in line wishing to pass a caravan doing 80kph in a 110 zone. how do i know i was 11th?? because i had plenty of time to count when going around very minor bends . there were semi’s and caravans waiting patiently to overtake this one caravan. could hear over the 2 way (which was running hot) other caravaner’s saying things like i wish this guy would at least check his mirrors to appreciate what the repercussions of his actions are . guessing but 15-20km later we finally got past . stuff me, if he wasn’t busy talking to his wife and pointing to something in the middle of nowhere . both the landcruiser 200 and the supreme caravan were capable of travelling safely at a higher speed . at 30% under the speed limit, I feel comfortable in suggesting he would be pulled over doing 35 in a 50 zone, yet it’s exactly the same percentage below the speed limit . the highway was in very good condition and the weather was damn near perfect . i would have been happy and understanding with 90 to 95kph , but jeez, be considerate to other road users is all i am asking . if you’ve got that much time, pull over, have a cuppa and enjoy the scenery . i am also not stating that b doubles, heavy vehicles on an incline, or farmer joe moving his harvester from paddock to paddock are an issue . these things are a fact of life and road users accept and appreciate this
Slow driving on long stretch roads outback do cause accidents as a build up of drivers behind and many towing can’t pass due to road trains etc etc coming the opposite way and this causes frustration and some will take risks to pass this inconsiderate driver that all he/she had to do is pull over and let others pass. Have travelled outback expensively and been in this annoying situation many times..Move over and let the traffic flow….
We agree Stew. We just drove all over Oz and the idiots who drove really fast and had no consideration for others cause the most accidents. Most Grey Nomads drive to the conditions and for the safety of themselves and their vehicles. That MP has probably never towed a van & he should pull his head in. The 100KPH speed limit is the “top speed limit” not the “have to” rule.
Heard many times mostly younger drivers criticizing slower driving older drivers.
It has been said that if drivers can not keep at 100, they should be banned. Just so others can get somewhere a few minutes earlier, and more tired.
Why not reduce the max speed to 90, and there can be no complaints.
The simple answer is not for the us Nomads to drive faster as that can be dangerous and stressful. Keep an eye on your re view traffic and if you are impeding the flow , find a safe spot and pull over , let the bank up pass then resume your trip. Everyone happy … I most often get a toot and wave of thanks . Tom C
Totally agree, I was taught this by my father in the 1960s. In some countries it is a legal requirement to pull over if you have accumulated a tail of more than a set number. Mind you that requires space beside the road to pull off.
Totally agree
Well, if its not grey nomads, then its bicycle riders, or farmers driving from one paddock to the next in their tractor, or to church on Sunday, or foreign tourists, QLDers in NSW, NSWelshmen in VIC, rubberneckers, young maniacs in high performance sports cars, people in old clunkers, big trucks that block the road in front of them and can only crawl up hills.
Just admit the roads can be bloody dangerous, and take a lot more care.
Well said
Because then the caravanners will sit 20kms under 90. Simple if your equipment isn’t up to the job of staying close to the speed limit then get new equipment or find something else to do. 10kms under the limit is acceptable but not 20. It was proven recently that sitting 20 under is just as bad as sitting 20 over. As for the roads research shows we have some of the best in the world hence why Mark Skaife was campaign to have the highway limits raised not lowered. It means people would spend less time on the road and in turn have less fatigue
“It was proven recently that sitting 20 under is just as bad as sitting 20 over.” – proof please!
It takes more concentration the faster I go, so how can I not be more tired at the end of the day? Equals more dangerous towards the end of the day. Safety always please.
what this coment means those of us on pemsions or lower budgets stay off the publicly funded roads and only those that can aford the latest rigs should be on their roads so they don’t have to slow down and have to show consideration to older rigs
It doesn’t require that much space to pull over even 1/2 a lane will allow drivers past, depending on oncoming. More a case of looking in the mirror and having a heart for others rather than than self importance. I tend to push it a bit and get frustrated at what I consider to be ignorance. But at the same time when enjoying a scenic stretch will ease over to the edge to let the following past. But one needs to keep an eye on the door mirror to see them closing up, so with judicious timing nether of us really needs to alter our speeds. And yes most toot and wave.
Passing lanes, passing lanes,
Drove 950 from Qld border to Vic border on Kidman Way, not one passing lane !!
True, but on the Bruce highway, traffic is so frequent that oncoming traffic will negate overtaking opportunities. People get impatient & take risks. Also take so long to make up their minds to pass, the straight is already half gone before they start. I have long said that there needs to be an overtaking lane every 5 kms minimum.
On a recent caravan trip when travelled east between Roma and Miles we had 5 separate vehicles overtake us over double lines. Four Utes and one 4WD. And we were sitting on 95 kph. On one occasion the passing Ute cut in so close to avoid an on coming car that we had to brake heavily and hit the gravel. Brain fade not under speed is the problem.
MP Nick Dametto Should be ashamed of his comments
Totally agree
Totally agree ditto
I also agree that Nick Dametto’s comments are shameful. Fuel has absolutely nothing to do with it, drive at a speed you feel is safe for your rig. Enjoy the ride, arrive alive.
Agree
Why? Its true though
I don’t think that comment should be directed at ALL those towing caravans! We are told that 90 is the safest speed while towing a van and I am sure the majority sit between 90-100 in my experience on the road, in one breathe are told not to speed and in the next…put you foot down please…..
We drive to the recommended speed for our van and vehicle. That is 95 ks. Im not going to risk going any faster. To do so would be irresponsible. Ww are not responsible for the actions of other drivers.
Most people don’t realise that vehicle speedometers are very inaccurate. In mid 2007 the government changed regulations on new vehicles that say the Speedo should read higher than the actual speed by up to 10% +4kms/hr. Which means that when you THINK your doing 90 you can be doing just 80kms/hr actual speed. I think it should be mandatory that people with caravans should have to buy a scan gauge or ultragauge (which plugs into your vehicles OBD2 port (computer)) & it will give you a much more accurate speed.
Whilst what you say is true would it not be better if the vehicles speedo was made accurate by the manufacturer and connected to the GPS system to gain a more accurate speed indication. After all most vehicles have an inbuilt navigation system.
Then the impatient driver getting all cranky who thinks he is sitting on 100 is actually only doing 90. But let me guess – he is sitting on 110 because he knows they are actually doing 100. Why should caravanners be forced to have a scan guage etc – one rule for everyone.
I beg to differ. In 1989 when Victoria introduces Radar Speed Cameras the Victorian police added a 10% plus 3kmph to the measured speed to derive the alleged speed for the infringement. This was gradually refined over several years until just 3kmph is added to the recorded speed to get the alleged speed. The police found that there were very few speedos which over reported the speed and that the vast majority recorded the correct speed or slightly under.
What an idiot! There is no legal requirement to drive at the speed limit. Driving at a sensible speed for towing does not seem to compute in this guy’s head. Sorry but I’m not speeding up for anyone and I’m also not responsible for other people’s impatience.
I’m with you Heather 100%. To many think (wrongly) that they rule the roads. Sorry to have to tell them they don’t ! Oh, and by the way, to anyone who thinks they can call me up on the CB and give me instructions eg. to pull over for them to pass, you are dreaming. I do however make every effort not to delay transport trucks doing their job.
Spot on Heather. I also tow our caravan, to give the hubby a break, and I drive to suit me, not impatient idiots who cannot exercise patience and put us all at risk.
Just the other week, some idiot towing a boat overtook us and cut in too soon
(Because a car was coming in the opposite direction) and nearly clipped the front of our car. Now, had we been doing 100kmh, we surely would have rolled our car and caravan. BTW, there was no traffic coming towards us, apart from this one car. This bozo could have waited 2 minutes
What !!!!! I lived east of Ingham for 20 years. The ( despite an upgrade) is dreadful between ingham and Townsville I’ve driven thousands of times never ever had an issue with grey nomads or trucks it’s the people crossing unbroken lines speeding or driving using mobiles . They are the Issues especially during or after wet season ( potholes) .
how many time’s do you hear The Bruce Hwy, is it that bad.
Let’s see Nick Dametto tow a 20 foot van at a constant 110kph and WE will judge the results.
Nick is his nickname. His real name must be Whaddatwat, surely!
Its not about fuel for me but driving to the road conditions so sometimes 80 or 90 or 100. The poor roads are more of the underlying cause.
SO SO true. Bloody truck drivers are not ALL bloody truck drivers but there are a lot on the road who believe the whole road from Perth to Cairns is theirs to get their stale mince to Maccas. Limit vans to 90 kmph full stop.
Driving 90-95 is frustrating for other people who are on time limits such as work or appointments. Yes, even though extra time is factored into their journey it is still frustrating. I don’t mind if those towing caravans or trailers would pull over and let the faster traffic past, but often they don’t. A few weeks ago I was in a huge line of traffic following two caravans travelling close together and at 80 in a 110 km zone. That lasted for 40 km! There were two VERY close calls!!! Please if you are going to drive below the speed limit, pull over at the first opportunity and let the faster traffic past. Not everyone is on holidays.
I do agree to a point but the main roads are giving less room to do so with skinnier roads with no wide flat shoulders to do so safely
Ok let’s discuss trucks to then. Trucks travelling in Europe must stick to the designated slow lane and drive anywhere from 80kph in some countries and above. They travel huge distances as well, yes even in Europe. They are well behaved (most) and they’re are no issues. People just deal with it. I tow our van at 90kph, I will pull over when I get a chance but even at 90kph it’s no easy feat just pulling in somewhere. The example used above about such for 40km is a poor example and not the norm. I don’t believe trucks should drive at 100kph but that’s another story.
Last time I drove an autobahn in Germany, the truck speed limit was 90. And they did not deviate the slightest.
If a car wandered into the “truck lane” at 89, they were quickly reminded of their error.
If German trucks drive at max. 90 on those amazing roads, why are thy allowed 100 here.
How easy is it to pull over: let’s take this in reverse and ignore slow lanes and prepared passing areas:
1. pull off the road at a slow enough speed to make braking to a stop a safe procedure
(10 seconds)
2. before that – slowing the vehicle to that safe speed – slowly so the tail-gater behind doesn’t run up your ass (20 seconds)
3. before that – signal your intention to pull over and stop (10 seconds on the indicators)
4. before that – check in mirrors to make sure it is reasonably safe to pull over and stop (15 to 30 seconds)
5. before that – recognise and analyze a safe open spot ahead to pull into – long enough, sound enough, not boggy, not occupied, reasonably level, etc (10 seconds)
Wait a bit – at 90 km/h that adds up to more than a kilometre. Is that possible? Well probably:- with good eyesight, a good rig, flat open countryside, and a lot of open verges where you can expect that patch of dirt 1km ahead is much like the current patch of dirt you are passing now,
Yes, these are the drivers causing the accidents. I call that an unsafe speed.
Actually it is called “bloody mindedness”! These people are not ware of other people on the road and do not consider anyone but themselves and “they won’t be told otherwise”
What about the old farmer in his ute who pulls out in front of you with his dog and bale of hay in the back, oblivious to all oncoming traffic, drives for about 10k at 50 kph then turns off up a dirt road..
I totally agree Helen..
I have to wonder if Mr Dametto has any experience towing an average caravan. Ours is 18ft and we find 90k an hour is our best average speed for safety on a sealed road, 100k if it’s a good highway. It’s a speed limit the road sign states not a madatory speed. Most caravanners drive to the conditions, sealed or unsealed roads. Maybe the MPs need to stick to work on improving the roads and making more passing lanes for impatient drivers and truckies that want to pass and also truck parking areas for their rest breaks
Great Comments, I totally agree with your statement. Another point people that purchase a caravan an haven’t towed before are also causing problems and should do a towing course
I recently watched a video that interviewed a female driver of a triple bogey that clearly stated for the nomads not to travel at the said speed it is better to go a bit slower that allows them to get around its not all about saving fuel but being more cautious my condolences to the family.
I dont mind them BUT when they travel bumper to bumper and they dont use their mirrors and common send to let other drivers pass, that is frustrating. That is what causes accidents.
Safe distance between vans makes a big difference when over taking.
If vans suspension were designed with heavy duty shock absorbers would this help the stability and improve the operation ? We are all aware a vehicle with worn shocks performs terrible..
Peer pressure or bullying on those towing vans will create more accidents. A lot of tow vehicles have towing limits, as specified in their handbook, if they have an accident doing for than this speed they are not covered by insurance. We have travelled for Seven years all over Australia and we refer to the Bruce Highway as corrugated bitumen.
I’m sick of the grey nomads getting the blame for everything. I tow a 30 ft fifth wheeler and depending on the conditions of the road which is shit a lot of the time I do the speed limit, and there’s always people up your arse wanting to get past, P platers being the worst because they’re not happy doing the speed limit they have to do well over the limit to pass you. You may not all be on holidays but if your not happy leave home a bit earlier. The key to surviving is driving to conditions and most of all learn to have patience and treat people the way you want to be treated, it’s not hard
Well said!
Bullying on the road is rife!
I drive a Motorhome and prefer to drive safely whilst being courteous to other drivers and will not be bullied into driving faster than I fell is safe!
My condolences to all involved. It is hard to determine from the incident photo but I don’t believe gentleman was towing a caravan – it could be a camper trailer or farm trailer. Note the narrative states trailer not caravan, if a caravan was involved it is usual for reports to state “caravan”.
There is no cause outlined in the narrative, just a general comment by a local MP about slow drivers – and a ridiculous claim that Nomads slow down to save fuel.
As far as the actual incident there is no report/s from witnesses, investigators or other reliable source.
After many years investigating “accidents” and their primary and underlining causation, I found that it is extemely rare for news/journalists to accurately determine and describe facts.
Possum, a sensible accurate comment. I wonder how many of the critics have towed a boat or get ski. I regard myself as a ‘learner tower’ & remember a time when on the Wide Bay hwy in Qld, corrugated & uneven, I was doing 80k . I said to hubby I wish there was a sign saying ‘learner tower’. Not far up the road we came across a harvester travelling at 30k. Thank you I said & laughed. He & I both pulled over at the same place.
100 kms is the posted maximum speed limit it not the minimum limit. Drive to the road and weather conditions. Others need to learn some patients.
I thought that 100 klm was the maximum speed not the mandatory speed. Drivers should only drive to their capability not to the pace demanded by the other drivers. Many young drivers drive to fast for their ability to control the car in any given situation.
No I totally disagree that Grey nomads should be blamed, the problem lays squarely with the individuals experiences and a lot of caravanners choose to sit under the speed limit but truckers know this and mostly have accepted this also, the caravan mostly gives trucks the opportunity to pass except some ignorant caravans do not show Highway etiquette. Those fools with no vans or non-truckers I would say cause most of these accidents due to impatience. The caravans must always be aware who is following and if travelling slower than speed limit then they must ensure every effort is given to allow safe passing or pull off to allow build ups of traffic following.
The speed limit is the maximum you can do not what you have to do. Please look at Qld rules for towing. I have averaged for 28 years 100,000 klms per year and I can assure you the many near misses have not been due to grey nomads towing. (No I was not towing).
I wonder how many people are aware that in NSW at least, if the GCM is more than 4.5 tonnes, the maximum speed limit is the posted limit or 100km/h. Not many rigs out there would be under 4.5t.
What a clown this bloke is, you drive to suit, use your UHF and other drivers will work with you, if you are in a hurry or impatient then don’t blame others, we always leave a healthy gap so any one can pass even road trains, we work as a team without any risk, however you do get the exception from time to time, you don’t
own the road we all have a right to drive on it, however 50/80 on a 100 km highway is slow, I sit on 95 and have a motor home and drove trucks for more the 40 years
100 Kim is the speed limit , not mandated speed.
So anywhere between 0 and 100 is the posted speed where you are legal
I do appreciate some motor ways in all Australian states have posted lower and higher limits.
The Bruce Hwy has always been a goat track but the old saying is the money goes where the people are SE corner of QLD,
The speed limit is maximum you can do. Anyone who tows a caravan drives to speed that is safe for them and as caravan experts say towing a caravan between 80 amd 90kms a hour.
This man has clearly never towed a caravan.
If you can communicate with other drivers via UHF radio then great, but I will not tolerate impatient drivers who have no respect for other road users whether big or small and will not drive to the conditions or situations that arise. People have become irresponsible and refuse to take the consequences for their actions by blaming everyone else. I am not a grey nomad but a nomad of 42 years old.
My wife and I recently drove from Townsville to the Gold Coast. The road is below average. Little or no duplicated lanes The local driving habits are very ordinary hence the high number of accidents.
I think Mr.Dameto needs to remove his head from his backside and read the road rules again.
Here in Tasmania it is designated 100 km per hour and there are signs saying the speed limit is set
At 100km/hr this the Max speed limit not a challenge. Maybe this clown of an MP should do a defensive driving course and it should be mandatory for all learner before getting behind the wheel.
If that is the case why do all late model cars speedos show at least 5 km above the actual speed you are doing.
Government’s interference ( big brother tactics )
My DMax does 92 kmph (8 kmph below) the 100 kmph on the speedo. I asked Isuzu Isuzu to fix it but they say that is the rules now.
Actually it can be set to anything, but only by suitably licenced providers. Isuzu is probably not one of them. The vehicle modifiers that raise and retyre utes and vans supplying engineers certificates will re set the speedo. I have checked. Also there are devises in the internet, where the pulse can be adjusted but require a measured stretch of road, and plenty of reruns. I think Jacar (Melb) offer a device that advises speed by satellite. A good casual checker to see how far out the speedo is. Be aware the latter two would not stand the rigors of a court!
Driving to the conditions with a van on the back can be totally different to not having it on there. On a good highway 100 is easy, get a bad one and your lucky to be able to do 60 or less at times. They just need to fix the roads and other drivers respect sharing the road.
This year has been frustrating for all of us, more Grey Nomads on the road because they can’t go on cruises or fly overseas.
I travel at 100 which is the limit for towing vehicles in all states, I do this so I don’t hold up traffic especially trucks. Drivers who travel at 90 are the most problem as you need a long stretch to overtake safely & without exceeding the speed limit.
Drivers who either don’t know or don’t care that there is a buildup behind are the most frustrating, maybe some form of TV commercial type education would work♂️
By gee, what a good idea.
I see both sides of the story here, it is true that there are some GN’s that are completely oblivious to the traffic behind them, and generally show very little if any road etiquette. If you wish to drive slowly that’s fine you are in no hurry. And as such have plenty of time slow in an overtaking lane to ensure everyone behind you can get past. Of course there those that don’t want travel at 80-90kph and it does infuriate those trapped behind. If you want to be courteous and there is nowhere to pull over it won’t hurt you to speed for a few K’s until you can let other past.
No matter what speed you do on the Bruce Highway it’s not fast enough for some people. I’ve been overtaken uphill with double white lines by some towing a huge boat.
We broke down on Bruce highway south of Brisbane with caravan, put hazard lights on but no one and I mean no one slowed down and car and caravan rocked side to side, they didn’t even slow down when emergency crew came to our rescue, everyone just thinks of themselves and are in to much of a rush,you will never stop it,it’s frightening
I drive a Fiat 2-8 turbo Camper van and I travel at 90kmh for 2 reasons (#1). I am 79yrs old and i feel comfortable driving at that speed. (#2) I pay for the Fuel that goes in my tank and that speed gives me the best economy.
Your not the only person on the road dude.
Some drivers are just too impatient……..Shaw’s Transport trucks are speed limited to 90 Kim per hour..amazing amount of fuel saved. Chill out and wait and overtake when Safe.
Limit means limit. Max permissible. People have to learn to not be in a such a hurry and plan accordingly and respect all other road users . The ones complaining think there is nobody in this world but them. You know who you are. Safety first always.
It’s not so much the slow driving it’s the Congo line where you are unable to overtake because you have 3 or 4 vans in a line. They need to leave at least 500 mtrs between them.
Totally agree. For me towing a caravan and being very mindful of keeping a good distance between other tow vehicles to allow safe overtaking, I get frustrated when a tow vehicle follows me too closely thus not allowing a reasonable overtaking distance resulting in a long line of traffic behind. I am then obliged to pull over to give way to traffic but the following tow vehicle continues oblivious to the problem they have caused.
I travel at 90-95 kph, if I see a truck coming up behind me, I advise them on radio when they want to pass let me know & I will drop back 10 kph when they are along side me. Works for us both.
Amen, Rob. That’s the best way to go.
Spot on Rob, we flat tow a Suzuki behind a motorhome and it is restricted to 90k for mechanical reasons. I watch the mirrors and get on the cb to my truckie friends. As they pass I back off. They are without exception friendly and appreciative and wish us safe travels on our holiday.
As several people have stated, posted speed limit is MAXIMUM not Minimum. We drive MH towing car and drive at around 85. Have discussed this with a few truckies who say they would find it easier to get round us at this speed than if we travelled faster. We use UHF to communicate and do our best to get out of way if conditions allow and often get the thank you flick of indicators from truckies.
100kph is THE LIMITE not how fast you have to go , you are not legally allowed to go any faster but you are allowed to go slower with in your capability’s and the road condition. I may travel at 90kph as I don’t know the road and if traffic was building up behind me I would do my best to pull over and let them passed.It is all about showing tolerance and respect to others.
Totally agree, it’s simply inconsiderate (or oblivious) drivers creating frustration and dangerous situations; whether it’s not leaving gaps, yo-yo speeds, speeding up when someone tries to overtake or hogging the overtake lanes. There are even a minority it seems who do it in order to frustrate others. Just be courteous and considerate and everyone is a lot safer. It’s not about if it’s necessarily GN’s at all but it may seem so purely due to the numbers on the road.
It is sad to say that inattention and reckless behavior is a common theme, when road crashes occur. unfortunately Caravanners are not exempt, I have been in a line of traffic where a Caravanner has been travelling at a speed that has caused the traffic to build up behind and has not made any attempt to allow the built up traffic past, this creates inpatients in other drivers and reflects badly on the rest of us who are attentive to the traffic behind and make every effort to allow safe passing. As for some of the other comments yes modern caravans are in a whole very safe to tow at the allotted speed limit ,but we should also drive to the conditions and our own capabilities, and yes some states in Australia set a reduced speed limit of vehicles towing. so lets all be more observant use our mirrors more regularly ,some have a job to do and some a just in a hurry. lets all be safe and enjoy our travelling.
I have a 90kmh sign on the back of my Camper Van and call trucks through wen the road is safe. The drivers thank me and say it is good to see I am not going to try to out run them when they overtake
WOW…heaps of comments, and most being positive.
But…….
Speed does Not Kill- It is that Sudden Stop Stay safe everyone..
Maybe they should spend some money on the Bruce Hwy, that road is a disgrace. More rest stops and overtaking lanes particularly north of Gympie
Totally disagree with this politicians comments. The speed limit for caravans is 100kph. Recommended speed for safety is 90kph – from road safety trainers. Travel is not a race. A good driver checks mirrors, pulls over on a regular basis to allow others to pass safely and does not travel in groups. Suggest MrPolitician learns the road rules and develops some patience.
I now live in my caravan, common sense needs to prevail, if I am going slower than 100kmh I pull over when I get a few vehicles behind, saves frustration all round.
The biggest issue is not that people drive under the speed limit, it is that some (not all) manage to go the speed limit or faster in overtaking lanes, if you’re driving below the speed limit stay at a constant speed, don’t speed up in over taking lanes and leave room between vehicles so people can pass safely.
My rig is 16 Mtrs long and I tow at between 88 and 90 Kms an hour in cruise control to maintain a steady speed. I tow at this consistent speed for three reasons 1 my wife is happy 2 people can pass me in a 100 kms zone without going over the speed limit by much and 3 trucks can pass me when they are ready despite their speed limiters. The only thing I have no control over is the idiots despite unlimited space won’t pass me and because of that it makes it hard for everyone else. I will always slow down in overtaking lanes and there is a build up I will pull over when I can.