When you’re out touring remote Australia, it doesn’t take long before you come across one of the true giants of the road; road trains, graders, and other heavy vehicles that keep the outback ticking along. They’re long, loud, and move a lot of gear, and if you’re not paying attention, they can also end your trip quicker than a busted CV in the Simpson.
Understanding how to drive around them safely isn’t just polite, it’s essential.
Size Matters
Road trains are about as big as vehicles get in this country. Triple trailers, oversized loads, support vehicles… it’s all out there, and they need heaps of room to turn, stop, and manoeuvre. If you’re coming up behind one, chances are the driver won’t see you tucked in close behind the trailers. The risk is that they might start to turn or drift in their lane, unaware you’re even there.
So if you’re thinking about overtaking, don’t just punch it and hope. Instead, try to raise the driver on the UHF (Channel 40 is the default for trucks). Let them know you’re there, be respectful, and wait for the all-clear. Most truckies are more than happy to work with you to make the pass safe.
What About Oncoming Trucks?
If a road train or grader is heading towards you, particularly on a narrow dirt track, the best thing you can do is slow down and pull well off to the side. Give them as much space as possible and be prepared to stop entirely if the road’s tight.
Why? Because not only does it give them more room to move safely, but it also helps save your windscreen. A big set of drive tyres can flick up rocks with the same ferocity as a cricket fast bowler, straight into your glass at highway speeds.
The Golden Rule: Respect the Load
Whether you’re out on the Birdsville Track, pushing through the Pilbara or just running between country towns, the same rule applies: give big rigs space and patience. These drivers are doing their job in tough conditions, and your cooperation goes a long way.
We’ve all seen the aftermath when people try to squeeze past or beat a turning trailer. It’s never pretty, and it’s always avoidable.
