that there were probably an equal number travelling in the same direction as me. A Main Roads spokesperson advised that there are currently around 300 registered Super Quads on this route. What concerned me was it seems that Main Roads have ‘no intention’ of putting a cap on numbers. This is what I gathered from their response where they state, “Main Roads preference is to replace conventional road trains with PBS road trains… which would reduce the overall number of road train movements.” My concern with this is there are already way too many of them now and Main Roads want to increase the number. It seems to me that the almighty dollar is driving this and ‘where’ does safety come into it? Current anecdotal evidence suggests that one to two of Quads are involved in an accident every week. However there is no crash data available that is specific to the Quad’s. Would not someone in Government be interested in knowing that they are causing problems that are affecting others – or is it just about revenue for the Government? I am lucky as my vehicle is a rigid, my acceleration is good and it doesn't take me as long to get past one, but I still find that I have to wait behind most times to reach a safe passing point. This wouldn't be so much of a problem if there weren't so many but it
is a continual process every few kilometres. And for those who suggested I just wait out the 450 kilometres and not pass any of them - we are all on a schedule and time is money. Also, it is mentally straining to sit behind a truck and not have clear road for five hours. For those with singles, road trains and triples it is so much harder. A triple has virtually no chance of getting past unless there is a passing lane and even then it takes more than a kilometre to get past. And try getting into a parking bay - they take up most of the bay by themselves leaving very little room for others. When asked about what extra provisions were being made for these vehicles on this stretch of road, Main Roads said, “Rest area upgrades are being carried out at a number of locations' and that 'Main Roads has developed an overtaking lane strategy to construct additional overtaking lanes between Newman and port Hedland' - however this is 'subject to funding becoming available'. Many people who responded to my first article on this subject suggested that ‘more’ overtaking lanes would certainly be a help. I think new overtaking lanes should be funded by the mining companies who operate these vehicles. For many, that one strip of road is an ‘all day’ mentally and physically draining
Many people who responded to my first article on this subject suggested that ‘more’ overtaking lanes would certainly be a help process as you negotiate other traffic on the road and the tail end trailer that drift like a swan in flight. This road is supposed to be for ‘all’ vehicles, not just for the mining companies. But the use of Super Quads is driving other traffic off the road. It is dangerous for other transport companies, it is dangerous for Joe Blow general car driver and it is very dangerous for our tourists who have never experienced something like this before. It is time that ‘safety’ is put before ‘dollars’ by our Governments. Either restrict the number of them and fix the current infrastructure to meet current needs, or put in more infrastructure and make the mining companies pay, or use some of the $5.7 billion surplus this state made on the back of mining industry… either way, at least install more overtaking lanes. I see that Super Quads are also popping up on the East West Route (Great Highway One) and I hope whoever is planning that has put some foresight for other road users into it.
Expedition truck to be raffled for MND research
T
he latest vehicle to be raffled off for Motor Neurone Disease research is in fact two items – a truck and a motorhome. The “Expedition Truck” is the fifth vehicle to be raffled for MND research by Australia’s largest transport and logistics specialist insurer, NTI. To date, the organisation has raised a total of $870,000
for medical research. NTI CEO Tony Clark said, this year they wanted a vehicle that reflected the feeling of freedom we were experiencing now all of Australia’s borders were open. “The truck can seat seven, and the motorhome is luxury on wheels, with a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, air
conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, LED lighting and TV, solar panels, water storage systems and more. And don’t worry about having to set it up – the four legs are electric so it’s just the click of a button.” Mr Clark said the options for how the winner uses the prize were endless. “The Isuzu 4x4 crew cab can be used as a working truck by day, and then on the weekends, the 3.5 metre motorhome simply slides on and off the back. “In Australia, two people are diagnosed with MND and two people die from the disease every day. NTI’s former CEO Wayne Patterson lost his battle with MND in 2015, and we have been committed to helping fund research to find a cure ever since.” The prize is valued at $275,000 and the draw will take place in Townsville on July 10 and tickets can be purchased at www.nti.com. au/about/community/2022-mnd-expeditiontruck-raffle WATM • June 2022
19
