Overtaking or Being Overtaken when Towing

Overtaking

When overtaking another vehicle, drivers must be extra vigilant whilst towing or driving a larger vehicle such as a motorhome. It is recommended to overtake only when necessary.

Overtaking, especially when towing, requires significantly more time and space than what you might be used to, so it is essential to allow enough room to complete the manoeuvre.

Another important factor to consider is the air movement which may be caused by large vehicles travelling at speed beside you. This air movement may cause instability, causing you to be forced away or towards the vehicle beside you and could potentially lead to sway or loss of control.

To remain vigilant, only overtake when:

• The road conditions are suitable enough to do so
• You have a clear view of the road ahead
• You are confident and prepared for any wind turbulence on your vehicle
• The vehicle impeding your path is going reasonably slower than you (10km/hr less).

It is important to overtake without significantly increasing your speed. Any increase in speed will increase the risk of sway and loss of control. Remember, you must not exceed the legal speed limit.

When there is less oncoming traffic, it may be possible to perform a ‘flying overtake’. This is when the driver anticipates a break in oncoming traffic and is able to maintain the vehicles current speed and safely pass the impeding vehicle.

Through UHF communication, you can also advise the vehicle ahead that you are planning to pass.  Channel 18 is used for caravan and camper convoys, and channel 40 is the road safety channel Australia-wide.

What to Do if you are Being Overtaken

Even if you’re not the person doing the overtaking, there are still a few things to keep in mind when being overtaken.

• Maintain your speed
• Once the vehicle has past you, you can gently ease up on the accelerator
• Do not slow down too early. Keep in mind, a truck may lose momentum and will not have the acceleration to overtake safely
• Move to the left-hand side of the lane to increase the gap between vehicles.

Avoid directing other vehicles to overtake. It is impossible to know the capabilities of the other driver, and you may be encouraging an inexperienced driver to perform an unsafe manoeuvre.

For more information watch our video: Overtaking Safely with a Caravan