Driving safely is essential no matter where you are in Australia, especially when sharing the road with trucks carrying oversized loads. Heavy vehicles carry large items, requiring extra caution from drivers.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator worked with Centurion, Queensland Police Service, and Working iT Pilots to make these videos.
Thank you to Ares Group, The Drone Way, ODLS, and Queensland House Removers for providing extra footage of oversized load transports.
Why Driving Safely around Oversized Loads is Crucial?
Oversized loads measure at least 2.5 meters in width and occupy more than half of the roadway. Due to their size, these loads typically require escort or pilot vehicles.
A pilot vehicle will always display an ‘Oversize Load Ahead’ sign and have yellow flashing lights on its roof.
An escort vehicle may have warning lights of a different colour, depending on its type (police or transport enforcement) and the region in Australia.
These convoys can extend over several kilometres. However, one thing remains constant everywhere: your response when encountering an oversized vehicle on the road. First and foremost, stay calm! Reduce your speed and wait for instructions.
#1 Pro Tips for Driving Safely from a Veteran Escort, Craig
For nearly three decades, Craig from the Queensland Police Service has been escorting oversized loads to ensure their safe transport across Queensland.
Mr Craig says, “The key point is that wide loads are an everyday occurrence on our roadways. Other drivers need to acknowledge this and respect that these loads are challenging to pass.”
How to Respond When an Oversized Load is Heading Towards You?
- If an oversized load is approaching you with a pilot or escort vehicle leading it, they will indicate for you to slow down, move to the shoulder, and come to a stop.
- If you have a UHF radio, they may contact you on Channel 40 for further instructions. Once the load has passed safely, you can proceed.
#2 Pro Tips for Driving Safely from a Pilot Driver, Robyn
Robyn has spent 18 years working as a pilot driver and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. She shared her insights on sharing the road with oversized loads.
“The reality is you won’t succeed against a truck of that size. If you have a radio, please turn it on, communicate with us, and be polite and respectful so that we can all navigate safely,” Mrs Robyn said.
What’s the Safest Way to Overtake an Oversized Load?
- When driving behind an oversized load with a pilot or escort vehicle, slow down, maintain a safe distance, and await directions.
- Only attempt to overtake when you receive a signal to do so and don’t linger while passing. Proceed quickly without exceeding the speed limit.
- If there is no pilot or escort vehicle, only overtake if it is a long, straight stretch of road where you can clearly see ahead.
- Do not attempt to overtake the pilot or escort vehicle trailing the load, as this can create dangerous conditions for everyone involved.
Explore More: How E-Commerce has Changed Logistics Industry in Australia?
#3 Pro Tips for Driving Safely from Truck Driver, Darren
Darren has transported oversized loads for over 15 years. He wants to stress how important it is to share the road with these vehicles.
Mr Darren stated, “It is crucial to coexist on the road with wide loads. We make every effort to pass others as safely as possible, using common sense and patience to ensure everyone returns home safely.”
Why Overtaking an Oversized Load can be Dangerous?
- Attempting to overtake a wide load without permission from the pilot or escort or merging back onto the road before the load has ultimately passed could result in being forced off the road or worse. The truck driver might not see you.
- Oversized vehicles may need to move towards the centre of the road to traverse a bridge, navigate under power lines or tree limbs, or avoid obstacles like guardrails, road signs, and power poles situated at the roadside.
- Additionally, they cannot maneuver easily! When turning, they may sweep across multiple lanes, making passing at corners extremely hazardous.
- Lastly, never cut in front of an oversized vehicle, as they are unable to stop quickly.
Did You Know? Australian Government Unveils New Rest Stops for Truck Drivers
