Story and Photo by DENNIS AMOR

CARAVANNERS have attacked the on-road bullying tactics and dangerous driving by some truck drivers.

"It's as though they believe our roads are for their sole use," one irate traveller from New South Wales told Caravanning News.

"They roar along without any thought or consideration for other road users ... and woe betide anyone who dare hold them up."

Caravanners have now called for government action to curb what they claim are the arrogant and dangerous driving antics of some truck drivers.

The plea comes as Queensland State Coroner Michael Barnes announced he planned to review fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles.

Statistics show that more than 60 people, including 23 truckies, died in truck-related pile-ups last year.

Caravanner Joe Maloney from Queensland thought it was time something was done to stamp out the menacing "bullyboy truckies" on our roads. He said newspaper reports often spoke of drugged and fatigued truckies putting other drivers' lives at risk.

Mr Maloney said he had often heard caravanners being abused by truck drivers on his UHF radio.

"They seem to take great exception to anyone, particularly grey nomads, doing less than the posted speed limit. Maybe it's the fault of their bosses who impose unrealistic schedules, but something certainly needs to be done to calm these cowboys."

A popular web-based caravanning forum was recently flooded with messages criticising truckies for their intolerance on the road.

"Truckies hold me up every single day around town, so they need to accept that occasionally the reverse will occur," wrote one member. "It's all about tolerance - everyone has the right to use our roads, including caravanners."

He related a drive to Brisbane's southside during which he allegedly witnessed "total insanity" by some truck drivers.

"From changing lanes without looking properly or indicating to pulling out in front of me at low speed, forcing me to brake hard, tailgating me at speed on a wet road to running red lights. And yes, I tolerate this all without abusing anybody. Some of these guys should be locked up for everybody's sake."

Dave Lowhard, of Victoria, told us he was verbally attacked by one truck driver on UHF after driving at the posted 50kph speed limit through the Queensland town of Childers a few days after New Year.

"When it was safe I called him on the radio to say he could come round me, only to be showered with a torrent of incredible abuse, including a few choice obscenities into the bargain ... not the sort of language suitable for my kids in the car. He then proceeded to tailgate the vehicle in front ... a disgusting display of shocking driving from a so-called professional."
 

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE

SEND YOUR COMMENTS OR
STORY IDEAS TO
CARAVANNING NEWS