How do you make a slow vehicle let you pass on a narrow road?

alecrain · 23-03-2008, 11:24 PM

Today I was driving through Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs and pretty quickly I ended up behind a Toyota Corolla (or Crapolla as I like to call them) driven by an elderly woman, she wasn't exceeding 60km/h on a 100 km/h mountain road with no opportunities to overtake

: , later I ended up behind a caravan

: and on the way back behind some other slow car

: , in few minutes there was a dozen of cars stuck behind us as well.

They wouldn't use the "slow vehicle turn out"

Now I don't want drivers that don't feel comfortable driving on a narrow, mountain road to risk their or someone else's lives but how do you make them realize that people behind them can drive safely faster.

Do you have a way of making them let you pass safely?

fairmont1998 · 23-03-2008, 11:49 PM

If they are refusing to use the turnouts, and you are faced with unbroken centre lines without any overtaking opportunities then legally you have no choice but to stay put behind them.
Welcome to hills driving.

alecrain · 23-03-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairmont1998

If they are refusing to use the turnouts, and you are faced with unbroken centre lines without any overtaking opportunities then legally you have no choice but to stay put behind them.
Welcome to hills driving.

I know that, I wouldn't risk it anyway.

Has anybody got a way to let them know that you'd appreciate if they let you through?
I tried flashing them - but I think is rude and they might not know what I want,
I also try to keep the distance but once in a while I'd barely "tailgate them" for a second or two.... but that's even more rude and dangerous...

any ideas?

Kryton · 24-03-2008, 12:02 AM

there isnt really any way that isnt rude or impatient.
if you beep, well, you know what theyll think of you.
do it to the wrong person and youll be going slower than you already were.
think about it this way, as much as it sucks to be doing 60kmh in a 100kmh zone, they were driving safely within their abilities.
id much rather that than some tool trying to overtake on blind corners and doing dangerous moves around the car.
i know its frustrating but you just have to suck it up and keep clam.

dejavu · 24-03-2008, 12:32 AM

mmm i just find that hanging back and waiting for a good opportunity is the way to go... theres eventually always good overtaking spots.

T3rminator · 24-03-2008, 12:35 AM

You get them all the time...and its amazing those roads at 100kmh limited. Solution? Get a V8...pass in 2 seconds.

RG · 24-03-2008, 12:37 AM

Report em to the new Hoon Hotline

blk_frmnt · 24-03-2008, 01:09 AM

Copious amounts of light flashing, horn blowing and fist shaking.

fmc351 · 24-03-2008, 01:28 AM

Carrier pigeons.

Either that or I leave a little earlier if the roads Im traveling are likely to have such experiences. If the driver in front is doing 60 and I cant safely pass legally, then I guess the speed limit just became 60, I just relax and drive at the 'revised' speed limit until I can pass.

RG · 24-03-2008, 01:30 AM

Bloody annoying on a nice twisty road when it happens though but you get that I suppose.

**ebxr8240** · 24-03-2008, 01:33 AM

It could be your grandmother ?? Consider it from their point of view ??
I understand your frustration but 60K is still moving!!!
That's what I keep saying to myself...
Not that I sit behind for too long.....
No n/a cars in this family...

dom_105 · 24-03-2008, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecrain

Today I was driving through Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs and pretty quickly I ended up behind a Toyota Corolla (or Crapolla as I like to call them) driven by an elderly woman, she wasn't exceeding 60km/h on a 100 km/h mountain road with no opportunities to overtake

: , later I ended up behind a caravan

: and on the way back behind some other slow car

: , in few minutes there was a dozen of cars stuck behind us as well.

They wouldn't use the "slow vehicle turn out"

Now I don't want drivers that don't feel comfortable driving on a narrow, mountain road to risk their or someone else's lives but how do you make them realize that people behind them can drive safely faster.

Do you have a way of making them let you pass safely?

Welcome to the Yarra Valley mate.

Seems like every Sunday driver in the state uses their weekend to congregate on either the Maroondah or Melba Highways.

Gives me the shits, but what are you going to do.

04redxr8 · 24-03-2008, 09:49 AM

Driving at 40kph below the speed is actually a dangerous thing to do. Whenever an accident report is filed, there is usually a reason (all but a brief one added) If a vehicle is travelling below the speed limit and a vehicle hits it while travelling at the speed limit, Speed will be the determing factor. Think of that next time you see a speed trap.

I wonder if we could dob in incompetent drivers into the hoon hotline?

The 2 main reasons that come to my mind to drive so far below the speed limit, are 1. Incompetent driver ability, So should not be allowed on the road, or 2. Unroadworthy car, and also should not be on the road.

Hesitation and a fear of the road cause just as many (if not more) accidents over confidence and aggresion. An over confident driver will at least try to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Dazza XLT · 24-03-2008, 10:05 AM

Most drivers I come across on single lane roads are local farmers heading from one paddock to the next. Most will pull to one side and I head around.
Luckily I've got some decent mudflaps on the ute, so most stones that are flicked up are taken care of.

Others, just make yourself known to them. Make sure they can see you in their mirrors. Patience is the key, and hopefully they'll pull over when safe to do so and let you past.

Cheers

alecrain · 24-03-2008, 10:22 AM

And I don't understand how the driver of slow car (or a slow driver in a nice car) doesn't mind evergrowing que of cars condensating behind them.

fmc351 · 24-03-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04redxr8

Driving at 40kph below the speed is actually a dangerous thing to do. Whenever an accident report is filed, there is usually a reason (all but a brief one added) If a vehicle is travelling below the speed limit and a vehicle hits it while travelling at the speed limit, Speed will be the determing factor. Think of that next time you see a speed trap.

I wonder if we could dob in incompetent drivers into the hoon hotline?

The 2 main reasons that come to my mind to drive so far below the speed limit, are 1. Incompetent driver ability, So should not be allowed on the road, or 2. Unroadworthy car, and also should not be on the road.

Hesitation and a fear of the road cause just as many (if not more) accidents over confidence and aggresion. An over confident driver will at least try to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Dont know the road?
Looking for a driveway/sidestreet?
Enjoying a leisurely Sunday drive? There is no law stating they need to do the speed limit.

Theres plenty of reasons that are perfectly reasonable.

Unless they are doing 20 in a 100 zone, how the hell do you hit someone driving below the speed limit? You mean you cant see them and wham? You mean driving faster than vision allows, like blind corners while you 'enjoy' the cornering? Yeah of course, its their fault, they should be aware of YOUR road rules.

XR Martin · 24-03-2008, 10:44 AM

I just sometimes pull over and take a break and have a 10 min rest. Better than sitting behind a car wasting atleast that much time getting frustrated and possibly doing something stupid.

AUIIForte · 24-03-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmc351

Dont know the road?
Looking for a driveway/sidestreet?
Enjoying a leisurely Sunday drive? There is no law stating they need to do the speed limit.

Theres plenty of reasons that are perfectly reasonable.

Unless they are doing 20 in a 100 zone, how the hell do you hit someone driving below the speed limit? You mean you cant see them and wham? You mean driving faster than vision allows, like blind corners while you 'enjoy' the cornering? Yeah of course, its their fault, they should be aware of YOUR road rules.

I agree with 04redxr8 on this one. Maybe 10 or 15km/h below the limit would be O.K to wait a while for a good overtaking chance, but 40km/h under the speed limit (even if it is a granny) is only going to cause frustration. And what if you are taking a sharp corner at night, and then you speed back up to 100km/h, then BAM, yes, you hit the back of a 60km/h driver on 100km/h road.

"Looking for a driveway/sidestreet?" If they are doing that on a 100km/h zone, then they should definitely pull over and drive half off the road very slowly at least!
"Enjoying a leisurely Sunday drive? There is no law stating they need to do the speed limit." Who do you think will be in trouble if there is a crash, and somebody was going 40km/h under the limit and there are 10 witnesses in the cars following?

I can tolerate people going just under the limit. But not 40km/h. I will flash my lights at them to speed up because they 100% know what they are doing, and if they don't pull over and let me and the other 100 cars behind pass, then once I do get a chance to pass, I will floor it pedal to metal and let them know that I am completely ****ed off.

Scott · 24-03-2008, 10:48 AM

People doing that believe that they will have a long and happy life on our roads because if they drive belolw the speed limit they are safe. They have little regard for you or any other road user and in my opinion are one of the biggest killers on our roads.

Personally, it is rare that anyone is in my rearview on a twisty road but on the odd occasion when I'm putting along with the wife in the car going up or down a mountain, I move across when I see some bloke come roaring up behind me. A hand goes out the window and waves them by or I give the indicators a quick flash.

Who am I to ruin his fun??

Macca23 · 24-03-2008, 10:54 AM

I know when i had the cb in the car. That did make a difference, as most caravan/truck/4wd sort of people are quite happy to move over when you can chat to them and they usually pull over and the next safest spot. But for old grandma, unfortually you need to sit back and give them a bit of space :(

alecrain · 24-03-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Personally, it is rare that anyone is in my rearview on a twisty road but on the odd occasion when I'm putting along with the wife in the car going up or down a mountain, I move across when I see some bloke come roaring up behind me. A hand goes out the window and waves them by or I give the indicators a quick flash.

Yeah, that's what I do, I remember once near Marrysville on a mountain road a bunch of bike riders caught up with me and with no opportunity for safe overtaking, I simply indicated turning left and slow down on the first stretch of straight road, they passed me safely and I was happy I could help.

pauljh74 · 24-03-2008, 11:05 AM

A severely slow driver should take the opportunity to pull over and let others past. It's being inconsiderate to other drivers. If the driver can't handle anywhere near the speed limit, it's likely they never look in their rear mirrors to see the ever growing train of cars behind - they are oblivious to it. While there would be no legal requirement to pull over, it is expected of them, just as it is expected to keep to the left lane/out of the right lane when you are travelling slow on any multi lane road.

MITCHAY · 24-03-2008, 11:05 AM

No point trying to make them realize they are being inconsiderate morons. I just wait it out and if I get a long enough straight of road, drop the gear, full boost and bye bye.

Accidents happen when people are too impatient. I always do at least the speed limit (unless it is a dangerous situation) so I rarely hold people up. If they want to pass, I try and move over to the left for a bit more room. Personally I prefer those types of people infront of me.

fmc351 · 24-03-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUIIForte

I agree with 04redxr8 on this one. Maybe 10 or 15km/h below the limit would be O.K to wait a while for a good overtaking chance, but 40km/h under the speed limit (even if it is a granny) is only going to cause frustration. And what if you are taking a sharp corner at night, and then you speed back up to 100km/h, then BAM, yes, you hit the back of a 60km/h driver on 100km/h road.

Granny is not responsible for your apparent lack of self control. Why would you accelerate to a speed beyond the safe braking distance given the obvious limited vision?

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUIIForte

"Looking for a driveway/sidestreet?" If they are doing that on a 100km/h zone, then they should definitely pull over and drive half off the road very slowly at least!

Youre assuming the section of road allows for that. Secondly, they dont have to, you need to drive according to traffic, which includes them driving slowly for whatever reason they are doing so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUIIForte

"Enjoying a leisurely Sunday drive? There is no law stating they need to do the speed limit." Who do you think will be in trouble if there is a crash, and somebody was going 40km/h under the limit and there are 10 witnesses in the cars following?

The car that hit them. If you cant see the car youre obviously driving too fast for the conditions. What, are you claiming they just materialised before your eyes? No, they were there and you couldnt stop in the distance you had once you noticed them, obviously vision isnt up to the braking distance required for the speed, that is driving too fast for the conditions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AUIIForte

I can tolerate people going just under the limit. But not 40km/h. I will flash my lights at them to speed up because they 100% know what they are doing, and if they don't pull over and let me and the other 100 cars behind pass, then once I do get a chance to pass, I will floor it pedal to metal and let them know that I am completely ****ed off.

Youre my hero. Good on ya Mickey Mouse.

AUIIForte · 24-03-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmc351

Youre my hero. Good on ya Mickey Mouse.

Thanks mate.

troppo · 24-03-2008, 11:32 AM

The short answer is you can't.
A driver who is aware of what's going on would knoiw there are vehicles behind trying to get past and common courtesy dictates the slower driver should let the others through at the first available opportunity.

bob 351 · 24-03-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davway

there isnt really any way that isnt rude or impatient.
if you beep, well, you know what theyll think of you.
do it to the wrong person and youll be going slower than you already were.
think about it this way, as much as it sucks to be doing 60kmh in a 100kmh zone, they were driving safely within their abilities.
id much rather that than some tool trying to overtake on blind corners and doing dangerous moves around the car.
i know its frustrating but you just have to suck it up and keep clam.

agreed with what you are saying but it is breaking the law buy not doing the 100 k speed limit and holding up other drivers just because some one might be sight seeing it is known as dagerous driving and if a cop pulled up behind them he has every right to book them for doing so

bob^ · 24-03-2008, 11:41 AM

Not so much on narrow roads, but I turn the fog lights on when someone is doing below the speed limit on a freeway in the right lane. Even with their "My speedo says I'm doing the speed limit so I can drive in this lane" mentality, they move across.

**Peuty** · 24-03-2008, 11:43 AM

One of my favourite roads up here in Brisbane is a narrow two laner most of the way with easements so slower vehicles can move off the road. For most of the way I have the quad lights blazing to let them know what I am up to and most are more than happy to move off to the left when the road permits.

Wally · 24-03-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecrain

Today I was driving through Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs and pretty quickly I ended up behind a Toyota Corolla (or Crapolla as I like to call them) driven by an elderly woman, she wasn't exceeding 60km/h on a 100 km/h mountain road with no opportunities to overtake

: , later I ended up behind a caravan

: and on the way back behind some other slow car

: , in few minutes there was a dozen of cars stuck behind us as well.

They wouldn't use the "slow vehicle turn out"

Now I don't want drivers that don't feel comfortable driving on a narrow, mountain road to risk their or someone else's lives but how do you make them realize that people behind them can drive safely faster.

Do you have a way of making them let you pass safely?

So it's an easter long weekend, the media has broadcast the need to slow down and survive, people are out to enjoy the day, including old crones in Rollas and caravaners who do what they have done since Moses was a boy.....slow traffic to a crawl.

It's not like this would be unexpected and the 10 minutes or so that you lose for the transit isn't worth the agitation. Turn up the radio select a lower gear and create a three car gap, happy in the knowledge the car drivers behind you are seering a hole in the back of your head for being so compliant to such an inconsderate situation.