Should all trucks be banned from the right lane on Freeways?

Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 12:28

I drive on the M80 ring road everyday (Melbourne), and just about ever day there is an incident on there.

Many of these incidents involve trucks. I am not against trucks or truck drivers. But in my view, most truck drivers I see driving are always swerving between lanes, in the right lane knowing they need to exit the Freeway soon, on their phones, etc.

I know a couple freeways already have the ban in place, and I would love to know the stats on these roads, but I think it should be nationwide. I don't see any reason why a truck needs to be in the right lane of a freeway.

Poll Options

  • 421
    Yes
  • 61
    No
Automotive

Comments

                  • Danstar on 04/09/2019 - 09:58
                    +2

                    @Roll Eyes: Well said Roll Eyes

                  • netjock on 04/09/2019 - 19:17

                    @Roll Eyes: Great BURN!

                  • JustASmoothSkin on 04/09/2019 - 22:55
                    +1

                    @Roll Eyes: If your using angel gear on a packed highway you don’t deserve to be in a truck, I haven’t been in trucks long but from my observations the good majority have speed limiters still working as intended with the majority of trucks getting up to a maximum of around 105km/h if not working against a hill. Not going to say all trucks haven’t been tampered with but yet to actually encounter one personally. Only truck I have encountered that wasn’t limited was a merctipper from the early 80’s which to my knowledge was never limited. I have driven about 20 different trucks and would be close to having 5 digits in hours under my belt, not a lot but I wouldn’t quite call myself a novice anymore.

                    Likewise truck drivers that do not allow adiquate stopping distance are horrible but I disagree with the changing lanes on to others and running red light parts, when I have had my indicator on for a good while and need to switch lanes do not sit along side me, I have had to blow my horn and wave to get people to move on so I can take a turn on way more occasions then I feel I really should have needed to and if I am loaded and the lights turn yellow when I am less then 400m out (depending on speed) them I am not going to pump my brakes to attempt to stop. But if there is adiquate time to stop I will and believe me when I say I try very hard to make my intention known when trying to switch lanes.

                  • pegaxs on 06/09/2019 - 16:55

                    @Roll Eyes:

                    because speed limiters can be tampered with

                    Oh, you're that guy. Well, the explanation to why you are wrong is in my reply from that same thread.

                    or you haven’t heard of angel gear??

                    Yes, I have, and I believe if you refer to my reply from the June truck vs car thread, I can be quoted as saying;

                    c: they are in neutral and rolling down a really long hill (which is stupid, reckless and harder in a truck than what it sounds.)

                    So, you learned something from me, forgot you learned it from me and them used what you learned from me, against me.

                    All I can do is quote a famous scholar;

                    GrEaT BuRn!!11!!1!!!11!

                • Danstar on 04/09/2019 - 11:33

                  @pegaxs: I’m around trucks and truck drivers daily in my line of work. If you are under the illusion all trucks are speed limited (or a working limiter), I can ask you. Have you been around more than the 1 truck you might be driving ?

                  Have you been around trucks when driving a car or is your mind so set on “trucks own the road” mentality you can’t see any other point of view ?

                  The difference with you and I is, I can agree that majority of car drivers suck at driving too.

          • benllben on 05/09/2019 - 09:34

            @Danstar: I am going to have to agree with Euphemistics comment below here. This thread is talking about a blanket ban on all freeways, if thats the case i know some freeways in NSW that are 2 lanes for 30-40km so it would quite possible to be stuck behind a learner or slow carr for that long. I know this as i regularly drove that entire length on my P plates being that slow driver.

            I do believe that it should apply to all 3 lane and above freeways however, nothing like being stuck behind 3 lanes of trucks doing 50 up a long hill in a 110 zone.

            Though i think the most important thing that doesnt need a law for is some common sense when driving. You are right, you dont need to be swerving in and out of traffic to be a minute faster, but you also shouldnt be stuck behind excessively slow drivers when the road is not busy and it is safe to overtake.

            • Danstar on 05/09/2019 - 09:56

              @benllben: Well you agree with me then, cos my main point was trucks being in right lanes when there is 3-5 lanes.

              Or even if it is 2 lanes, cruising in the right lane when the left lane is free.

              • JustASmoothSkin on 07/09/2019 - 17:41

                @Danstar: I think everyone is in agreement on that, 3-5 lanes should have a lane restricted (Furthest on the right) from heavy vehicles or vehicles that cannot travel at the maximum allowed speed *unless the vehicle in question must exit on the right of which they mustn't be in the lane any longer then say 3KM (Signs can be erected where required to signal to drivers the 3KM limit). 2 lanes should be non-restricted to any driver but "keep left unless overtaking" should be enforced much heavier.

                I think that is the best way to tackle the issue.

    • netjock on 04/09/2019 - 18:59

      Ban public transport off peak as it doesn't make economic sense and make peak hour travel cheaper?

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 03/09/2019 - 12:44
    +10

    Driving on UK motorways was refreshing. Cars can drive at 70mph, light trucks are limited to 60mph and large trucks/semis are limited to 50mph. As a result, trucks stay left unless overtaking a slow moving vehicle. Truck drivers, here, will hate this suggestion, but it made travelling on longer trips a lot better from my point of view.

    • netjock on 04/09/2019 - 19:00

      Can't do that, soon we'll just be loaning the ashes rather than playing for it!

  • Stewardo on 03/09/2019 - 12:47
    +4

    If the freeway is three or more lanes wide, yes they shouldn’t be allowed in the right lane. I’m sure truck drivers, who drive all day get frustrated as well getting stuck behind slower vehicles.

  • Ugly on 03/09/2019 - 13:05
    +2

    Currently on trial on the M1 in Sydney between Wahroonga and Kariong - https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/heavy-vehicles/….

    Can't say I've noticed much of a difference.

    • resisting the urge on 04/09/2019 - 15:39
      +1

      @Ugly: The irony may be that's this is the point of the trial ;-) (Not sure yet, but I suspect the trial will not cause anyone to re-think the view of big transport)

      However, have you noticed all the using the RH lane just like before? Especially runing up to the dips. Where they do keep left, it all becomes much more predictable for the traffic approaching from behind.

      In terms of congestion, it all depends on the exact number and types of vehicle on the road, as there will be differences during the trial period. Things like latent traffic potential and also roadworks make it very hard for the road users to gauge.

      The thing that makes rules such as this work in Europe is not so much bigger roads with more lanes, it is changing the industry expectation that trucks can travel as fast as the rest of the traffic. If they can legally travel at the same rate, truckies, like many other drivers will get impatient behind every vehicle traveling at 90, so will be tempted to overtake and take risks, where they individually feel they can. Given that we limit the speed of so many provisional drivers, let alone learners, we are all just surviving lunatics' law. At the end of the day, trucks and articulated vehicles can't stop well in most accident conditions, and cause a bigger impact when involved in, or contribute to, a crash. Allowing them to travel at full speed only really indicates who makes the rules.

      Most sensible countries set two speeds on the highway, one for slow moving traffic, another for fast moving traffic. If someone is going slower than the lowest speed, they need to notice and improve rather than create a massive tail-back, or frustrate others into passing illegally or dangerously. So making the truck/limited license limit 90/100 or 100/110 on faster roads can work, it just needs time for people to get used to it. This however needs ways of ensuring people learn the new rule, and practice it. Here in Oz we aren't too practiced at teaching or maintaining driving skills, or building good roads and setting smart rules.

      However, as well as speed limits, other countries tend to prevent overtaking (either trucks, cars, or sometimes both), along many sections. Except where conditions prevent it- such as approaching a Right lane exit

    • bacon on 05/09/2019 - 11:48

      On the M1 its keep to the Left Two Lanes - IE when 3 lanes, not allowed to use the right most. But in a 2 lane scenario like in these never ending roadworks, they wont get stuck behind an L plater.
      Since the implementation of the rule, I would say it has made somewhat of a difference albeit small. The amount of time I've encountered the triple barrel of trucks trying to overtake each other on uphill stretches forcing cars behind them to go >20kph below the speed limit was frustrating to say the least, but no more.
      One negative I've noticed is a tendency for some semis to hog the middle lane especially when the change was first implemented - this would lead to an onslaught of impatient drivers overtaking semis on the left. This has somewhat abated over the past few months since the change.

  • GG57 on 03/09/2019 - 13:06
    +2

    Yes, based on my experience on the Monash.

    The change to banning trucks from the right lane on the Monash is relatively recent, and it only applies to a defined section of the freeway.
    My observations, from a daily commute in both directions during peak hours, is that it has helped but it has also raised other outcomes.
    - Car drivers are aware of the ban, and are keen to get to the right lane as soon as possible. This leads to a lot of merging traffic immediately after each on-ramp, which leads to a lot of traffic slowing in multiple lanes.
    - Similarly, those drivers in the right lane merge across multiple lanes when approaching their exit, with the same result.
    - The volume of cars in the right lane has increased significantly, to the extent that the lane can be completely stopped whilst other lanes are moving (to some extent).
    - The volume of trucks in the second-from-right lane is significant. The lane can flow ok (apart from cars cutting in front of trucks) but if the traffic is stop/start the trucks are slow to get back up to speed.

    (Should I tell everyone the following?)

    I have found that staying in the left lane is as good as any, and can be much better than others. At on-ramps, there can be a delay as vehicles enter (but they then merge right almost immediately). At off-ramps, the traffic in that lane reduces significantly so it is regularly a lot clearer / faster and I pass lots of other traffic.

    • Skramit on 03/09/2019 - 13:13
      +1
      • Car drivers are aware of the ban, and are keen to get to the right lane as soon as possible. This leads to a lot of merging traffic immediately after each on-ramp, which leads to a lot of traffic slowing in multiple lanes.

      Nothing to do with the change IMO. This happens on all freeways around melbourne.

      • Similarly, those drivers in the right lane merge across multiple lanes when approaching their exit, with the same result.

      As above. not unique to truck bans in right lane sections.

      • The volume of cars in the right lane has increased significantly, to the extent that the lane can be completely stopped whilst other lanes are moving (to some extent).

      Use this to your advantage by travelling in the other lanes, like I do. I rarely found the right lane faster on the M1, and Ive been commuting before and after the right lane bans. it's always been like that.

      I have found that staying in the left lane is as good as any, and can be much better than others. At on-ramps, there can be a delay as vehicles enter (but they then merge right almost immediately). At off-ramps, the traffic in that lane reduces significantly so it is regularly a lot clearer / faster and I pass lots of other traffic.

      This is true in my experience on the M1. However you are at a high risk of slow moving muppets doing 55 in the 80 zones. So it can be hit and miss.

      • GG57 on 03/09/2019 - 13:16

        Yep, but I think the first few points have been exasperated since the truck ban started.

        So you are the other left lane driver; see you tonight.

    • Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 13:30
      +4

      Need to also implement and enforce "Keep Left unless overtaking" signs

      • GG57 on 03/09/2019 - 14:46

        No need for signs, it is a road rule:
        When driving on any multi-lane road with a speed limit over 80km/h, you must keep out of the right lane unless:
        - you are overtaking or turning right, or
        - all lanes are congested.
        If the right lane is a transit lane, this rule applies to the lane immediately to the left of the transit lane.

        That second point is the killer to enforcing the road rule.

        • coin saver on 03/09/2019 - 15:43

          I have never seen the legal definition of overtaking so could/would a car be overtaking another car 500mtrs or even 1km ahead if it is going faster?

        • Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 15:46

          indicating out of round abouts is also a rule. Which I never see anyone do

          • GG57 on 03/09/2019 - 15:54
            +1

            @Danstar: Not strictly a blanket rule:
            - if turning left, indicate and leave it on
            - if turning right, indicate right and if practicable indicate left just before exiting
            - if travelling straight, do not indicate but if practicable signal left as you exit.

            • Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 16:06

              @GG57: If practicable was introduced not so long ago (cos no one obviously uses the rule, including
              Police lol)

              How stupid is having a rule that says “if practicable”?

              • Ozpit on 04/09/2019 - 10:42

                @Danstar: Roundabouts are obviously a lot safer to negotiate than crossroads and permit better traffic flow than intersections controlled with traffic lights. But busy multi-lane roundabouts can be very challenging nonetheless.

                Particularly when driving straight ahead or making a right-hand turn and exiting from one of the inner lanes, which of course is legal although you must give way to any vehicles in lanes on your left, which can be difficult to see and you have very little time to make that decision, and you don’t even HAVE to indicate.

                Interestingly, the exception to this rule is cyclists or animal riders turning right, who must give way to vehicles in lanes on their right, whether they are indicating or not.

                To quote: “If you are riding a bicycle or an animal (e.g. a horse), you have the option of turning right from the left lane. In this case, you must give way to any other drivers exiting the roundabout before you make your turn and exit.”

                Good luck with that on a busy peak-hour roundabout.

                It’s interesting that for an animal they give a horse only as an example. What other animals would they have in mind? I guess the same rule would apply if you were riding a goat or a giraffe.

    • Nebargains on 04/09/2019 - 13:43

      I have found that staying in the left lane is as good as any, and can be much better than others.

      This is true on the Eastern Fwy too. Everyone seems to be super keen to get over to the right hand lane and tailgate the car in front of them, but all lanes are normally super slow anyway

      I usually find that the second to left lane is the fastest for the majority of the fwy.

  • brendanm on 03/09/2019 - 13:21
    +5

    We have this on the M1 on the Gold coast, no trucks in th right two lanes, it's fantastic.

    • maxandmiller on 05/09/2019 - 10:31

      Agreed it works great. Now they just need to complete the roadworks!

      • brendanm on 06/09/2019 - 12:17
        -1

        I doubt they'll ever be complete, as they lack the foresight to actually do a major upgrade rather than tiny bits and pieces. By the time they finish each section it needs upgrading again. Muppets.

    • dealman on 08/09/2019 - 14:54

      Results of similar trials in other states and overseas show when heavy vehicles are restricted from the far right lane on motorways, traffic flows more smoothly for all road users and there are fewer lane changes making the road safer for everyone.

      Ref :https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/business-industry/heavy-vehicles/safety/m1-heavy-vehicle-lane-restrictions-trial-map.pdf

  • Seraphin7 on 03/09/2019 - 14:30

    I would put it slightly differently … trucks should only be in the two leftmost lanes. There should also be a requirement that any freeway/motorway is a minimum 3 lanes (preferably 4) in each direction.

  • Euphemistic on 03/09/2019 - 15:26
    +2

    Nope. The whole driving community needs to get over the ‘get hit of MY way’ attitude and cope with a few delays here and there and we won’t ever have any of ge issues you’ve pointed out.

    • Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 15:47

      It’s not just about the delays. The freeway I use, literally has incidents daily involving trucks

      • pegaxs on 03/09/2019 - 17:01
        -1

        incidents daily involving trucks

        Source? Or it it just your perception and confirmation bias kicking in?

        And of these "incidents", how many are attributed to other road users where the truck driver is not at fault?

        If it smell, tastes and sounds like bullshit…. chances are…

        • Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 17:35
          +3

          VicRoads traffic page that posts every accident that happens on the road and personal perception :)

          And I’m taking about minor incidents like dumb (profanity) trucks drivers merging into the right lane cos the car in front of them is doing 95, then needing to go back into the left lanes to exit

          • pegaxs on 03/09/2019 - 18:26
            -1

            @Danstar:

            And I’m taking about minor incidents like dumb (profanity) trucks drivers

            More perception I take it? Could you be any more biased? I have had a look at the Vic roads website and it doesn't list a lot of information about the type of accident nor the vehicles involved nor the instigating/at fault vehicle.

            cos the car in front of them is doing 95

            Is this a 100km/h (or greater) section of road? Are the trucks travelling there allowed to travel at the posted speed limit? Why should a truck be limited to 95km/h due to cars in front of them travelling below the limit? What would be your suggestion as to a speed limit where a truck would be allowed to overtake a slow moving car? 90? 80? 60? perhaps not at all?

            You see, the problem in your example is the 95km/h car driver.

            You don't see the correlation to driving for a living and driving to get to a destination. You perceive trucks as commuter vehicles and not cargo transport. You fail to see the connection between trucks and profitability. For you, having to wait for a truck is a kink in your commute. To the truck driver, it may be the difference between making a deadline or not.

            • Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 18:33
              +4

              @pegaxs: So you’re saying reaching a deadline is more
              Important that the safety of all other road users ?

              • pegaxs on 03/09/2019 - 19:06
                +1

                @Danstar:

                So you’re saying…

                Is that a statement you are making on my behalf or a question?

                The two of these are not mutually inclusive. Getting freight delivered on time has nothing to do with the safety of road users. Freight can be delivered on time and in budget without it affecting other road users. This is evident is the sheer amount of freight that gets delivered every day. Any job can be done either safely or with reckless risk taking.

                What I am saying is that it is unreasonable to ask someone who does a job, to do it in a way that hinders their ability to do it effectively, all because of the perceived inconvenience of the few. I made no mention of how it relates to road safety.

                • Danstar on 03/09/2019 - 20:50
                  +4

                  @pegaxs: Trucks are meant to be limited to 100 aren’t that? So what’s wrong with following behind someone at 95 if they will barely be able to overtake anyway?

                  They shouldn’t be worry about overtaking or swerving in and out of traffic if traffic is flowing. They are a heavy vehicle with blond spots and yes, stupid car drivers around them. Priority should be safety, not getting to point B as quick as possible.

                  They can do the job effectively, but not at the expense of safety

                  • bobwokeup on 03/09/2019 - 21:14
                    +2

                    @Danstar: Don't bother trying to have a sensible discussion with him he doesn't listen to logic.

                  • pegaxs on 03/09/2019 - 21:42
                    +2

                    @Danstar: See, now your just making shit up to suit your narrative based on your own confirmation bias. You are seeing what you want to see and offering your anecdotal observations as common fact, when it is more than likely quite the opposite.

                    The problem isn’t with the truck driver, it’s with your ability to not want to adhere to the same restrictions you want placed on the truck drivers. The difference here, that you can’t seem to grasp is, you want all truck drivers to stay in the left lane, regardless of what speed other drivers are doing in that lane, because you feel impeded by that truck on your way to whatever it you are doing if the truck has to use your “right” lane.

                    The big difference here is that what you are doing is basically worthless, ie: 20 min commute to work to sit at your desk/sweep floors/make coffee for the next 8~10 hours. What truck drivers are doing is 8 ~16 hours of driving. For you, travelling at 5km/h under the limit is a minor inconvenience (or a major catastrophe if your comments are anything to go by) a few times a day at most. For a truck driver, it’s endless hours on the road dealing with retarded car drivers doing random shit for their whole shift. For a long haul truck driver, being held up in “left lane” politics might be the difference between making a delivery deadline or not.

                    Priority should be safety, not getting to point B as quick as possible.

                    And stop trying to inject “safety”. I didn’t mention it. The two of these things are not inclusive. Getting something done on time is not done at the cost of deaths or injury as you are trying to make out. You want them to be linked, because it’s easier to be outraged at trucks if you use safety as a lever.

                    When you can prove that trucks travelling in the right lane are the causes of accidents and not caused by impatience and inattentive drivers (of any vehicle type) then we can debate “safety”. But for now, it’s just your “assumptions”.

                    • Danstar on 04/09/2019 - 08:13
                      +4

                      @pegaxs: Your assuming there is only 1 left lane. On freeways there are usually 2-4 left lanes. Plenty for truck drivers to choose from.

                      And safety is inclusive in everything we do in life. Especially on the roads, safety comes before cost

                      • JustASmoothSkin on 04/09/2019 - 23:32

                        @Danstar: So what’s your take on two lane highways? Should a truck that does not have to exit in any less then 5km be allowed to overtake another slower moving vehicle when it is deemed safe to do so?

                        If not can you explain the reason why? If the truck driver does not need to exit onto a off ramp and can both overtake a slower vehicle while maintaining both adiquate speed (in this case 100km/h) and adiquate stopping distance to the next vehicle in the right lane what could be a potential issue with this scenario? Like wise what if this hypothetical truck driver needs to turn right and due to traffic congestion he deems that switching to the right lane for that 5km and sitting below the limit (truck is limited to 100km/h and road is 110km/h section in this scenario) before their turn is the the best course of action to avoid any unnecessary complications closer to their turn?

                        • Danstar on 05/09/2019 - 05:22
                          +1

                          @JustASmoothSkin: Then they can do what every vehicle is meant to use the right lane for. Over take, then go back in the left lane!

                    • barratttc on 04/09/2019 - 09:05
                      +8

                      @pegaxs: Mmmmmm… sounds like your job as a truck driver is so much important than everyone elses….
                      Ever been assessed for anger management?

                      • coin saver on 04/09/2019 - 11:35
                        +1

                        @barratttc: He is right my doctor mate always sits behind the trucks because their job is so much more important then his.

                        • netjock on 04/09/2019 - 19:25
                          +2

                          @coin saver: I see Ambos slow behind trucks all the time, must be in awe of their importance!

  • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2019 - 19:51
    +8

    Truck drivers are most of the time good behind the wheel, unlike SUV drivers, who are among the worst drivers i've ever seen.

    • Carmen Sandiego on 04/09/2019 - 14:00

      Oh absolutely.

      Add to that - "luxury" car drivers. Maddening.

  • bobbified on 04/09/2019 - 01:15
    +7

    These questions always just bring out selfish answers.

    Car drivers will support anything that benefits their own immediate interests.
    Truck drivers will support anything that benefits their own immediate interests
    Motorcycle riders will support anything that benefits their own immediate interests.
    The people who don't drive or ride don't care because they think it doesn't affect them.

    No-one cares about anyone else other than themselves so no-one sees the bigger picture.

    We need to enforce some of the existing laws, such as tailgating, dangerous driving and keeping left unless overtaking, before we start throwing around other ideas (and creating laws that noone will enforce).

    • VictimEqualsProfit on 04/09/2019 - 07:41
      +1

      Okay fine but ALL truck drivers are car drivers too. We already see things from both sides of the fence.

      Yes, the existing laws already deal with most of these problems. It's just that no one follows them.

    • Roll Eyes on 04/09/2019 - 08:37
      +3

      Couldn’t agree more with your comment bobbified.
      It is not in my best interests for trucks to be kept out of right lane, and I use to get defensive over criticism of truck drivers. However it has got way out of hand with the idiots and their terrible attitude towards driving them (pegaxs is a classic example). Myself and my family are on the road and I want those truckies out of the industry just as much as everyone else. I don’t believe new laws will help, I want the current ones upheld (and poor attitudes towards driving, shamed)

    • netjock on 04/09/2019 - 19:07

      I can assure you walkers do care about their own immediate interests!

  • Hirolol on 04/09/2019 - 08:25

    Can’t they use the right lane to overtake?
    That was my understanding.

    I thought they can’t just sit in the right lane like some cars do.

  • backpaqer on 04/09/2019 - 10:20
    +2

    It shouldn't really matter. Our current road rules are insanely anal about speed and so our blood pressure goes through the roof trying to get 1-2kmh of extra speed getting to those next set of lights. Our road rules aren't great for the congestion we see on our roads. We see many self-entitled as well as completely unaware drivers hogging the right lane because of the way the law is enforced.

    Now, go to Germany and trucks are limited to 90kmh and restricted to the left lane only on the Autobahns (sometimes there are specific times that they're allowed into the second lane to overtake). This creates convoy situations with trucks drafting each other at a more fuel efficient speed which keeps fuel overheads and consequently freight costs down.

    But that's there… And we're here… And our police focus on the wrong metrics. So here we sit, in the right lane doing 102kmh with a guy in a Ute up our backsides with a head about to explode.

    Why are we so weird when it comes to road laws and enforcement compared to the rest of the world?

    • netjock on 04/09/2019 - 19:28

      In Australia we follow the rules to the letter, if it says 100 the 99.9 doesn't work. You can be an over achiever and go 100.1 but anything lower than 100 is a big NO. We like our nanny state.

    • JustASmoothSkin on 04/09/2019 - 23:39

      rest of the world

      You mean Germany, The main reason trucks are limited on the autobahn to 90km/h and to the left lane is so mr 300km/h Bugatti Chiron doesn’t pancake his backside into the rear of a truck whether it be at fault of the truck switching lanes or him not reacting to a truck in that lane.

      Be nice to have a Aussie autobahn but alas too many people would die and the aussiebahn would get the blame and not the guy doing 250km/h in his stock commie.

  • jonkvh on 04/09/2019 - 10:36
    +1

    It's actually been Federally mandated for decades that Heavy Vehicles use the right lane in urban environments, this was originally gazetted for Dangerous Goods carrying trucks.

    On the freeway… when you get to ask a nice truck driver to sit in his cab whilst they drive(most aren't allowed to have passengers), you'll soon realise why the original question was dumb.

    One of the most draining jobs I ever had was driving semi's, which taught me, when questions like the above get asked, you might be confusing rigid trucks, whose licensing/testing is much easier to gain. Which why you see so many rigids being driven like they're cars!

    Fully support you Pegaxs. You're doing what other drivers won't, that's argue with a car driver.

    • pegaxs on 04/09/2019 - 14:50
      +2

      I appreciate that.

      It's threads like this that just ram home the general ignorance of many drivers.

      These questions are only posted to justify most people's confirmation bias and to inflame the community. They see a couple of LR Pantechs doing the wrong thing and suddenly it's "all trucks".

      And I can tell who are the real truck drivers in here and who are the Harvey Norman furniture delivery drivers.

      • Danstar on 04/09/2019 - 14:59

        It’s drivers like you who think you own the road and justify doing anything
        You want cos you “move Australia”

      • JustASmoothSkin on 04/09/2019 - 23:45
        +1

        Another truck driver here that supports pegaxs, not all truckies should have their license but many of us try our earnest to drive in the safest possible manner while not impeding our work flow. God knows those mandatory breaks we have to take every 4 hours slows us down enough as it is.

        • Danstar on 05/09/2019 - 05:24

          SmoothSkin, I'm sure you and pegaxs are great truck drivers and switched on enough to be considerate and courteous when needed. It's the other half who I'm not a fan of.

        • VictimEqualsProfit on 05/09/2019 - 06:24

          You get to take breaks??

      • backpaqer on 06/09/2019 - 08:48

        You can't argue with stupidity, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience every time ;)

  • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2019 - 10:44
    +1

    I actually do not understand what is wrong with Australian driving mentality in general. Having driven and observed driving in other countries that are similar to here, I just don't understand why people can't drive normally without some kind of delusion that the road belongs to them and that they must be in front of the car travelling in front of them. The roads of NZ/Canada/UK/Singapore etc would grind to a halt with fist fights every few meters if their roads were populated with Aussie drivers.

    I do a weekly highway commute for work, and I am often terrified by the driving behaviour of both cars and trucks on the road (in QLD).

    • netjock on 04/09/2019 - 19:10

      Because they don't leave their attitude on the kerb?

  • DiscoJango on 04/09/2019 - 11:37
    -2

    without trucks, straya stops.

    • Blitzfx on 04/09/2019 - 12:02

      If everyone died, this wouldn't be a problem.

      Thanos snap

    • smartazz104 on 04/09/2019 - 19:00

      And with them it's going at a crawl, so most probably won't notice the difference.

  • Mike88 on 04/09/2019 - 11:46

    It’s not just freeways where their poor driving habits cause congestion. At any set of lights on a multi lane they will merge into the shortest lane, especially if there is another truck in their own lane. Infuriating to see 3 lanes all with trucks at the front.

    • Danstar on 04/09/2019 - 11:47
      +1

      Yes. This too. But cars do this too, and what’s worse is, the ones don’t even speed up enough to get in front

  • VictimEqualsProfit on 04/09/2019 - 12:17
    +1

    Hey man I paid my truck rego this year and I'll drive any way I want.

    • Danstar on 04/09/2019 - 12:20

      That’s the spirit …
      /forehead slap

      • VictimEqualsProfit on 04/09/2019 - 12:24
        +1

        And I also ride a bicycle without a helmet too

  • VictimEqualsProfit on 04/09/2019 - 12:33
    +3

    And by the way could people please keep their posts nice and short? It's tough to read when driving a truck.

    • pegaxs on 04/09/2019 - 14:52
      +2

      I hate making long winded posts. It cuts into my hooker murdering time…

  • randombrick on 04/09/2019 - 13:06
    +6

    Personal opinion: Most drivers are crap - car and truck alike. Add to the shit driving skills, the fact that they are also fiddling with their phones, coffee, cigaretter, make up, etc.

    However, it is truly terrifying to pass a truck and see the (profanity) truck driver holding his phone and intently looking at it. You can usually spot these (profanity)s when you notice the truck wavering in the lane.

    I don't give a shit if you are burning money/time - Don't move in and out of lanes especially when there is tons of traffic around. My safety is more important than your dollars.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2019 - 13:12

    Ive heard from the grapevine that drone tech will force truckers out

    • VictimEqualsProfit on 04/09/2019 - 13:24

      Which is it mate? The drones or the self driving trucks? Quite possibly none of the above.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2019 - 14:00

        On good authority, youll be seeing drones flying shipping containers around melbourne

        • VictimEqualsProfit on 04/09/2019 - 16:27

          How physically large will these drones be and where will they be dropping these containers?

    • hey aj on 05/09/2019 - 09:52

      Amazon is implementing a floating zeppelin warehouse that will deliver packages to customers via drones.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/09/2019 - 10:28

        We seem to know the same guy

        • hey aj on 05/09/2019 - 10:50

          It's real, I saw proof on the internet!

          “People of the Commonwealth, do not interfere. Our intentions are peaceful.”

  • centrelink on 04/09/2019 - 13:30

    Hurry up self driving cars! HURRY UP

  • oSammy21 on 04/09/2019 - 13:42

    Even with signage that says trucks can’t be in the furthest right lane on my freeway I still see them on it which is annoying as I’m quite the fan of a cheeky overtake lane to work.

    Would be difficult to enforce as I never see any of those trucks get pulled over ever.

    I’ve got nothing wrong with truckies, hard tiring job but there’s a few out there that go at the slowest pace imagineable in the right lane without a care in the world whilst people might get triggered and attempt to overtake, high beam etc which I’ve seen already a fair few times that can easily leads to an accident.

  • SlartiBartFozz on 04/09/2019 - 13:44
    -1

    I don't think banning them is the right approach, though there are several issues.

    Firstly, trucks need more enforcement of minimum speeds in the right lane for ALL road users on Freeways (and on Highways when except those turning right). Trucks and Cars and Motorbikes are all guilty of these same sins, and little is done to encourage better driving on Freeways.

    Trucks are not usually a worse problem than other vehicles, except they allow little-to-no visibility to vehicles behind; they tend to drive very slowly when changing speeds and when pulling away from stop / traffic lights; and they can be very difficult, even dangerous to get past when they are driving several vehicles nose-to-tail.
    To solve those issues, large trucks should be afforded a full car-length of space (6m) in front and behind when they are moving; all trucks should be encouraged to travel in groups of less than say 30m length, to allow smaller vehicles to change lanes safely.

  • Jcww on 04/09/2019 - 14:04
    +1

    As a truck driver, I say yes. Provided there are more then 2 lanes. Too many pricks sitting in the right hand lane taking 10km to pass another going 0.5km/h faster than the other. Back off the pedal a mm lads!

  • Herbse on 04/09/2019 - 14:34

    I don't have a problem with big trucks. The semis for the most part are very respectful of the road and drivers.
    However the smaller, rigid trucks usually driven by tradies, are real (profanity). Much like most tradies with utes or pickups,because they're on the road a lot, they think they own the road and the rules don't apply to them.

    • VictimEqualsProfit on 04/09/2019 - 15:09

      I'm probably one of the main offenders you are talking about.

      Cars (usually) tend to respect semis and bigger and will give them plenty of room. For whatever reason they tend to see rigids the same as other cars and will cut you off all day long and block you from merging without thinking. The easiest way to deal with it is to throw your weight around and they soon get the idea.

      At the end of the day we are all the same weight per axle (roughly speaking). We will all crush your car like a sardine tin. If we all showed a bit more grace on the roads things would be better.

      • Herbse on 04/09/2019 - 15:12

        Oh yea no doubt. There are idiots in every vehicle. Then plenty of people who just make mistakes.

        I think there's a big negative attitude on the road these days which leads to a big lack of respect. Everyone is alwas in a rush, even on the weekends and only thinking about themselves.

  • THL on 04/09/2019 - 16:11

    Let's examine it from some facts:

    • Right lane is usually used for overtaking only (well we all know how often people actually use it for 'overtaking'. But let's assume everyone use it only for overtaking purpose)

    • This means rapid acceleration and merging in/out of lane are required

    • Trucks are not built for rapid acceleration. It also has poor visibility of the vehicles around them
    • This means there's a higher chance of accidents happening (rear end, side swipe or swerving)

    I see lot of car drivers and truck drivers accusing each other of crap driving behaviours. At the end of the day, there will always be idiots driving all sorts of vehicles and the only way to get better is via education. (i.e. awareness of truck blind spot, longer stopping distance, don't overtaking turning vehicles…etc). We should all be more accommodating to each other on the roads and share the responsibility of improving road safety.

    I believe banning trucks in right lane is a good outcome from safety perspective. It probably wouldn't matter much to improving traffic but that's just my opinion.

    • LFO on 04/09/2019 - 18:32

      Trucks are not built for rapid acceleration. It also has poor visibility of the vehicles around them

      Nope.

      Unloaded trucks accelerate far faster than suburban diesel SUVs and 4X4 trying to drive thirstily. You know, high torque, low revs.

      Visibility is FAR BETTER in trucks than in cars. High above and with mirrors the size of my bathroom mirror.

      • THL on 04/09/2019 - 19:44
        +1

        Unloaded trucks accelerate far faster than suburban diesel SUVs and 4X4 trying to drive thirstily

        You telling me a truck can accelerate faster than SUVs & 4x4 when doing 100km/h on freeway?

        Visibility is FAR BETTER in trucks than in cars.

        I meant the blind spots of the truck, which you definitely can't see with your bathroom size mirror :)

        • LFO on 05/09/2019 - 13:14
          +1

          Blind spots: do you mean right BEHIND the truck?

          Yes, acceleration (unloaded) is better than a Mumsy SUV.

          • THL on 05/09/2019 - 13:53

            @LFO: If you think the only blind spot is right behind the truck, then obviously you've never driven or been in a truck before.

            • LFO on 06/09/2019 - 12:30

              @THL: Where exactly is a blind spot?
              Under the truck?
              Above the truck?

              Side Mirrors cover both sides. From head to toe. Panoramic view.

              Front convex mirrors cover the front. From left to right and back.

              Where are the blind spots?

              A new Lambo has less visibility than a modern truck.

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