Why does it always seem to be a lorry? Options

[DrPepper]

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article...articleID=14333

Why is it when there is a major road closed it is usually due to a lorry. Would it because the majority of lorry drivers seem to think that the stopping distance on a motorway, from the lorry in front, is about three feet?

[ossy1]

More to do with the fact that you can push a car to the side of the road.

HGV's and their loads are a logistical nightmare to recover, therefore the road is closed longer and causes more problems so you hear about it more often.

[Darren]

Also, despite what you might think, RTC's involving lorries tend to result in serious injuries for the driver due to the position of the steering wheel and the lack of a front crumple zone that most cars have.

[ossy1]

Also, despite what you might think, RTC's involving lorries tend to result in serious injuries for the driver due to the position of the steering wheel and the lack of a front crumple zone that most cars have.

Lack of seat belt doesnt help either!!

[Biker1]

Put it back on the railways!

[DrPepper]

Also, despite what you might think, RTC's involving lorries tend to result in serious injuries for the driver due to the position of the steering wheel and the lack of a front crumple zone that most cars have.

You would think they would observe the stopping distance rules then rather trying to "streamline" the wagon in front within a few feet - bloody stupid and dangerous for all on the motorway - never seen one pulled up by the police for it though (mind you it's been a while since I've seen a traffic cop anyway )

Ossy1 - Points about the logistics of moving a car as opposed to a lorry is a very valid point, thanks.

[ossy1]

You would think they would observe the stopping distance rules then rather trying to "streamline" the wagon in front within a few feet - bloody stupid and dangerous for all on the motorway - never seen one pulled up by the police for it though (mind you it's been a while since I've seen a traffic cop anyway )

Ossy1 - Points about the logistics of moving a car as opposed to a lorry is a very valid point, thanks.

It is dangerous but they are using the slip stream to complete a quicker overtake therefore trying to keep the cars behind happy!!!!!
Accidents caused by this sort of manouver are rare.

[DrPepper]

It is dangerous but they are using the slip stream to complete a quicker overtake therefore trying to keep the cars behind happy!!!!!
Accidents caused by this sort of manouver are rare.

Unless it's on the A34 when they start to overtake at Beacon Hill and complete it just before Winchester

[ossy1]

Unless it's on the A34 when they start to overtake at Beacon Hill and complete it just before Winchester

Or when they don't see the HUGE time trial signs at Gore Hill.

[On the edge]

It must be frustrating for the Police and Highways people even trying to get the breakdown trucks through the built up traffic. Is it me, but of late I've noticed that the Police do try and get the traffic edging through as quickly as they can these days? Including going down the queue and managing it through.

[Darren]

especially when complete twits decide to block the hard shoulder.

[ossy1]

It must be frustrating for the Police and Highways people even trying to get the breakdown trucks through the built up traffic. Is it me, but of late I've noticed that the Police do try and get the traffic edging through as quickly as they can these days? Including going down the queue and managing it through.

They always have it jusy depends on how they can do it. If there are not enough officers then the easiest way is to filter it through. If it logistically possible then the traffic cannbe turned around and taken off the motorway backwards, however this takes a lot of staff to manage it as most people just think it's a free for all.

[On the edge]

Can well imagine. Must say my views have been tempered when I was caught about four vehicles back where a motorcyclist and two cars had taken against each other. I had a 'grandstand view' so to speak - which frankly wasn't nice. Meant waiting a fair time whilst the fire and ambulance people turned up to do their bit. During that time at least two drivers tried to edge through a road covered in glass and petrol - what was very clearly a major incident! Times like that one can understand why the Police might be a bit sharp!

[Gumbo]

They always have it jusy depends on how they can do it. If there are not enough officers then the easiest way is to filter it through. If it logistically possible then the traffic cannbe turned around and taken off the motorway backwards, however this takes a lot of staff to manage it as most people just think it's a free for all.

It would be nice one day for those electronic boards to actually warn traffic, in real time, that after the next junction there is an accident and that they may want to find an alternative route. Never been lucky enough to get such a warning and have often cursed them when on passing a junction suddenly hitting a huge tailback. All they ever seem say is how long it takes you to get somewhere e.g. Swindon 26 miles/24 mins. So useful.

[On the edge]

It would be nice one day for those electronic boards to actually warn traffic, in real time, that after the next junction there is an accident and that they may want to find an alternative route. Never been lucky enough to get such a warning and have often cursed them when on passing a junction suddenly hitting a huge tailback. All they ever seem say is how long it takes you to get somewhere e.g. Swindon 26 miles/24 mins. So useful.

As I understand from a mole in the Highways Authorityyou might be getting your wish. There are proposals to do just that and 'mark' the diversion route by turning on street lights or such like. That is if the cuts don't get there first!

[JeffG]

My sat nav will offer me a diversion in a case like this - though of course it has to be notified first!

[On the edge]

My sat nav will offer me a diversion in a case like this - though of course it has to be notified first!

Oh well - that's the excuse to drop this from the budget!

[spartacus]

There are proposals to do just that and 'mark' the diversion route by turning on street lights or such like.

Have you been watching Tomorrow's World again?

[On the edge]

Have you been watching Tomorrow's World again?

No; simply seen a presentation by a contractor for the Highways Agency.

[Darren]

Somehow, in the current climate, I can't see that ever happening.