…when really you’d rather arrive late and alive. Today I spoke to Nick, our truckin’ expert, about a few ways you, the heavily loaded road tripper, can arrive at your destination alive and ready to play, while also sharing the road with trucks and other road users. Here are his top 5!
1. KNOW YOUR VEHICLE AND CARAVAN OR TRAILER ARE UP TO IT
Get a service and a safety check. Make sure the towing capacity of your vehicle is up to the weight of the caravan or trailer you are towing and that the caravan isn’t overweight.
2. MANAGE YOUR FATIGUE
Don’t drive at night if you’re not used to it. Keep your driving hours to your regular routine, especially when you’re in a loaded vehicle or towing a caravan.
Take regular breaks from driving to walk around and stretch a bit. Recharge yourself as often as you recharge your phone.
3. DIP YOUR LIGHTS EARLY
Dip your lights while you are still a good distance off, especially if you have LED lights. Avoid creating glare for drivers coming towards you.
Be aware of dipping your lights before you cross the crest of a hill. Approaching lights are not always glaringly obvious so be alert for them.
4. OVERTAKING
If a truck is overtaking you, DO NOT speed up. Maintain a lower speed and let the truck get around you as quickly as possible. They are often speed limited and you speeding up creates a huge risk to both vehicles.
5. PULLING UP TO REST
Pull up to rest, but not in truck parking bays. Leave them for trucks. They have few places they can safely pull up. If you are parked in their area, they are sometimes unable to fulfil their own fatigue management requirements, causing a risk to other road users and forcing them to break the law. Find another place to camp for the night or take a break.
Stay safe on the roads and enjoy your holiday!