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Road trains
If you plan to drive in Western Australia and particularly in the north west of the state, you will come across road trains.
Road trains are vital to Western Australian infrastructure. They can be up to 53 metres long they deliver freight to remote mine sites and towns throughout the Western Australia.
Because of their size, road trains present unique difficulties for drivers that encounter them, especially on narrow roads.
- Ensure the road ahead is clear when overtaking.
- Overtake quickly; don't hesitate.
- Allow the road train plenty of room to brake and manoeuvre.
- Make allowances for the wind buffeting your car as you pass.
- Allow the road train to remain on the bitumen, if the road is narrow. This will minimize flying debris from the many wheels of the larger vehicle and reduce dust.
- Show extra caution when driving at night.
- Be patient.
- Do not pull out onto a road when a road train is approaching.
- Road trains require a great stopping/breaking distance.
- Do not stop on narrow sections of road.
- Do not overtake near junctions - road trains may require two lanes in order to turn.
- If a road train is approaching from the opposite direction and the road is narrow, pull over off the bitumen if necessary and allow as much room as possible.
- If you have a CB radio in your car, let the driver of the road train know that you are behind and wish to overtake.
- The driver will tell you / or indicate when it is safe to do so.
