Open Speed Limit Highway in NT???

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by Simple6

I've driven along there at 180km/h for about 1-2km at a time in the Territory AWD, but it was daylight and not with oncoming traffic. Fuel economy was horrendous at 30+L/100km.

I often wondered how fast the Territory would go - never got a chance to try here in the nanny states!

[castellan]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

What is the condition of the road like? Are the open limits roads specifically built to handle 200kmh+ and is there any barriers stopping livestock from walking onto the road?

I'm all for open or at least raised limits on highways as long as the road is built to spec and there is at the very least a lane for people that don't want a car suddenly appearing in the mirror at 200kmh, this would be especially important for people towing caravans or animal transport.

To hell with them caravan etc people.

I remember pasting some old hick, plodding along in a 4X4, a mate was riding flat at 240 KM/H went past this dude and I was coming up in hot pursuit, at 280 KM/H I seen this old dude, near jump out of his skin, as old mate went by and he would of seen me past old mate directly.

The main thing out their is the heat and the smell of the swollen cows, you see one and then you just hold your breath and then you see another.

The Heat was what governed your speed, mainly because the temp gauge would start climbing, you could not stick your hand out the window, as it was to hot to do so, as it's that bloody hot at times.

And rubbish tyres would blow, they would just de laminate and the whole tread would come off, it felt like you had dropped a tail shaft.

Inexperience is the biggest killer and not knowing the road, just do not drive flat out ever unless you know the roads and all.

The Highway Patrol know the roads they drive on, like the back of their hand and that's why they can drive flat out every day, without a problem in the world and that goes for QLD NSW VIC etc. they are not just stupid idiots like most people and it's a massive difference to comprehend.
Most people do not comprehend that there is any difference at all because they can't comprehend it.

Speed is something that once you get your eye into what's happening, all is just fine, once you can perceive what's truly going on at that speed and you are fully in control with your vehicle.

If you can't see long distance, you can only drive to what speed you can comprehend regardless of how experienced you are.

Most drivers only look, how far ahead of them ? not far at all, because they have never learnt to look right ahead or way back behind them.

Them stupid rear vision mirrors we get nowadays with close range vision are just rubbish.

[stockNAfairlane]

Why to hell with the caravan people? My Grandparents are doing an around Aus trip in their BF + Huge mirrors and poptop caravan I'd like you to justify why they can go to hell for obeying all road rules and doing their best to be safe drivers.

You don't own the road.

[Full Noise]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

Why to hell with the caravan people? My Grandparents are doing an around Aus trip in their BF + Huge mirrors and poptop caravan I'd like you to justify why they can go to hell for obeying all road rules and doing their best to be safe drivers.

You don't own the road.

Let me know when they are leaving and where from. I’ll make sure that I’m nowhere near them, for my safety of course.

Actually, if you really care for them, why don’t you pass the hat around and buy them a bus ticket on some round the country pensioner run like this one.

http://www.discoveraustralia.com.au/...ach_tours.html

They would probably enjoy it more without the stress of driving and may really like the company of other people their same age, not to mention how much safer the highways will be for every other road user.

Remember, they don’t own the road either, probably better if they stay off it though.

[Simple6]

Originally Posted by new2ford

I often wondered how fast the Territory would go - never got a chance to try here in the nanny states!

Yes well as an ex-NSW resident I understand that!

It'll just get to 180km/h and go no faster, so while I haven't been able to confirm, I believe that must be the limiter. Although you can't feel a limiter in action, it just feels like it's out of puff (ie no rev bouncing or surging).

[stockNAfairlane]

Wow i didn't know this forum had so many anti-old people? Let me know when you guys hit 50 so i can come and take your licenses away from you.

Don't tar everyone with the same brush, it's not nice to be called a hoon or a menace to society for driving a nice/loud/fast car so why judge all older people the same?

I honestly can't believe what a couple of you have said. I'm embarrassed for you.

[Full Noise]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

Wow i didn't know this forum had so many anti-old people?

I’m not anti old people, just when they drive on the roads unaware of their limitations.

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

Let me know when you guys hit 50 so i can come and take your licenses away from you.

That’s not that far away, will you sing happy birthday for me?

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

…it's not nice to be called a hoon or a menace to society for driving

Mate, I’ve had people call me worse names than that simply for doing my job. You can’t hurt me with names.

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

I honestly can't believe what a couple of you have said. I'm embarrassed for you.

Don’t be embarrassed for me, mate. That’s my kids' job.

[stockNAfairlane]

You seem like a nice guy, i'll just send Grandma and Grandad round in the caravan to stay a few nights, she can bake you a cake and they'll sing happy birthday and you can all talk about how embarrassing you are to the kids ;).

I agree with you on some older people not knowing their limitations, but not every old person is a complete basket case and each should be judged on their merits and not the lowest common denominator. In saying that there is a point where driving and reflex tests should be done more often, for the oldies sake and for everyone else on the road, it's just common sense. I'm 27 and i'd hate to be judged because of the actions of other 27 year olds. I got that enough as a teenager.

[Full Noise]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

You seem like a nice guy, i'll just send Grandma and Grandad round in the caravan to stay a few nights, she can bake you a cake and they'll sing happy birthday and you can all talk about how embarrassing you are to the kids ;).

I agree with you on some older people not knowing their limitations, but not every old person is a complete basket case and each should be judged on their merits and not the lowest common denominator. In saying that there is a point where driving and reflex tests should be done more often, for the oldies sake and for everyone else on the road, it's just common sense. I'm 27 and i'd hate to be judged because of the actions of other 27 year olds. I got that enough as a teenager.

Look mate, send your grand parents around to my place and I’ll guarantee you one thing, they would never want to leave. I am actually a nice bloke who not only respects old people, I actually get along better with older people than with the young.

I saying this, I have genuine concerns for older people who may want to drive in isolated places, like de-restricted speed zones in the NT.

There are serious risks involved in these areas for the uninitiated and most of the serious risks that they will face will most likely not be at high speed.

The NT de-restricted zones are the only place in Australia where the law is not set to cater for the lowest common denominator.

Tourists need to be aware of this, not just think that every car that travels over 102kmh will instantly burst into flames and explode like the mainstream media and state governments will have them believe.

Higher speeds does not always mean higher risk. The drop in fatalities in NT prove this. Pity our state governments and media don’t get the message.

[stockNAfairlane]

It sounds like we think along the same lines, when they left on the trip i set them up with a sat phone for emergencies and an amplified 3g antenna to keep in touch. They've been travelling around Aus and the world themselves every chance they've had since their early 40's, they are responsible and smart enough to know when to call it quits. I genuinely meant what i said when i said you sound like a nice guy by the way wasn't having a go, just having a laugh.

[castellan]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

Why to hell with the caravan people? My Grandparents are doing an around Aus trip in their BF + Huge mirrors and poptop caravan I'd like you to justify why they can go to hell for obeying all road rules and doing their best to be safe drivers.

You don't own the road.

It's got nothing to do with that at all, it's just like in Germany, you can tow a van and have cars go by at 250 KM/H all day.
Just because someone scares you, does not make you correct.

A mate has a trucking company and one dude working for him was complaining about fast cars going past him, saying how it scared him and he hatted such things, my mate his boss just said to him big deal, get over it, if you are awake it's not a problem, but if you are not on the ball, that's the real problem.
It does not bother my mate at all, in fact he likes it when he sees some dude hooking in going past his truck. and he has been driving trucks over 35 years all his life on the roads.

The problem is with what incompetent people think, that they know what's right and start judging all others, by there own simple standards.

Drivers towing caravans are the worst people on the roads.

Just ask any truck driver and they will inform you, of the fact they have to deal with such idiots being such a pain on the roads, the ignorance of such people towing is astounding.
I could go on and on, but I believe they need a towing licence before they start towing, so they understand what they should do when towing a van.

[asagaai]

Originally Posted by castellan

It's got nothing to do with that at all, it's just like in Germany, you can tow a van and have cars go by at 250 KM/H all day.
Just because someone scares you, does not make you correct.

A mate has a trucking company and one dude working for him was complaining about fast cars going past him, saying how it scared him and he hatted such things, my mate his boss just said to him big deal, get over it, if you are awake it's not a problem, but if you are not on the ball, that's the real problem.
It does not bother my mate at all, in fact he likes it when he sees some dude hooking in going past his truck. and he has been driving trucks over 35 years all his life on the roads.

The problem is with what incompetent people think, that they know what's right and start judging all others, by there own simple standards.

Drivers towing caravans are the worst people on the roads.

Just ask any truck driver and they will inform you, of the fact they have to deal with such idiots being such a pain on the roads, the ignorance of such people towing is astounding.
I could go on and on, but I believe they need a towing licence before they start towing, so they understand what they should do when towing a van.

I must admit when I was in the NT I had no issue with road trains. They were professional and consistent with their driving and had no problems with me blasting past when it was safe.

Caravans.... Who boy- hated a lot of them, drove really slow, and going uphill made no effort to move over to the kerb edge. A lot thought the whole world revolved around them at their 70 kph in an unrestricted zone. If I was towing a caravan and going 30% to 40% under speed limit and a car was trying to get past I would veer to the left side of the road to assist....

Truck drivers were cool- a lot would signal assist to let you know when it was safe to blast past

[stockNAfairlane]

Castellan, my old mans a truck driver and he disagrees with you. He say's the worst people on the road are the people that do not understand a trucks limits, people darting in front of him on red lights, not signalling, not allowing enough space for him to maneuver etc.

The only thing that ****** him off about caravan drivers is when they do not drive to the conditions of the road or fail to keep a steady speed/keep up with the flow of traffic. But i suppose the same can be said of any driver with or without a caravan or trailer.

You can't compare the autobahn in Germany to a road up the back of NT, it's very very different as are the conditions for car ownership and maintenance. Read up on the autobahn a little your perception of it and the reality might be very different. My dads side of the family are German and say there would have to be a LOT of changes to Australias road system and general driver attitude before a network like the autobahn could be introduced.

[irish2]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

Castellan, my old mans a truck driver and he disagrees with you. He say's the worst people on the road are the people that do not understand a trucks limits, people darting in front of him on red lights, not signalling, not allowing enough space for him to maneuver etc.

The only thing that ****** him off about caravan drivers is when they do not drive to the conditions of the road or fail to keep a steady speed/keep up with the flow of traffic. But i suppose the same can be said of any driver with or without a caravan or trailer.

You can't compare the autobahn in Germany to a road up the back of NT, it's very very different as are the conditions for car ownership and maintenance. Read up on the autobahn a little your perception of it and the reality might be very different. My dads side of the family are German and say there would have to be a LOT of changes to Australias road system and general driver attitude before a network like the autobahn could be introduced.

It doesn't have to be an autobahn to see 160+km/h in Europe. Many 90km/h sign posted highways see those speeds constantly. The condition of said roads is no better than 95% of highways here.

[stockNAfairlane]

Castellan is talking 250kmh.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

You can't compare the autobahn in Germany to a road up the back of NT, it's very very different as are the conditions for car ownership and maintenance. Read up on the autobahn a little your perception of it and the reality might be very different. My dads side of the family are German and say there would have to be a LOT of changes to Australias road system and general driver attitude before a network like the autobahn could be introduced.

Actually some motorways in Australia, such as a lot of the Hume, are up to German motorway standard now that crossover barriers are being installed. They're right though that driver attitudes need to change so that everyone is competent to drive to these conditions. Not keeping left is a really bad safety problem in Australia and its not policed.

The northern Territory situation is unusual in that nowhere else in the world afaik are two-lane roads zoned for anything above 100 km/h. In the NT unique conditions are considered to enable this.

And I haven't observed anybody trying to do 160+ on a two-lane road in Germany - the police would be all over them if they did! But no doubt the occasional fool does.

[GasoLane]

A number of States in Seppoland have high limits...

Texas for instance has 120kmh on undivided roads and 135kmh (even for trucks) on Rural Freeways.

[castellan]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

Castellan, my old mans a truck driver and he disagrees with you. He say's the worst people on the road are the people that do not understand a trucks limits, people darting in front of him on red lights, not signalling, not allowing enough space for him to maneuver etc.

The only thing that ****** him off about caravan drivers is when they do not drive to the conditions of the road or fail to keep a steady speed/keep up with the flow of traffic. But i suppose the same can be said of any driver with or without a caravan or trailer.

You can't compare the autobahn in Germany to a road up the back of NT, it's very very different as are the conditions for car ownership and maintenance. Read up on the autobahn a little your perception of it and the reality might be very different. My dads side of the family are German and say there would have to be a LOT of changes to Australias road system and general driver attitude before a network like the autobahn could be introduced.

I agree with what your Dad said about the Autobahn and such,
How do you know I have not lived their or driven on it for years, I may be Danish you know.

I am with asaraai with the caravan drivers, it's totally true.

Can you dear stockNAfarlaine or your dad tell me, why do such people towing plod along and then speed up when they get to the double lane.

I don't remember how many times on a 100 KM/H highway, did I come across some clown doing 70 to 80 for many KM after KM and then at the double lane the idiot is doing 110 KM/H and then directly after that, is down to the old foolish games again, of just plodding along in total ignorance.

If it were me and I could not keep up the pace, I would pull over and let others pass and on the double keep left maybe even would slow down and let them all pass, if need be due to the conditions.

[Outbackjack]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-2...idents/6577434

In todays paper.... None of it on the (//) roads. But it does highlight what can go wrong when people do really stupid things....

[Simple6]

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-2...idents/6577434

In todays paper.... None of it on the (//) roads. But it does highlight what can go wrong when people do really stupid things....

Yes well when you overtake a 4WD + caravan, which itself is already overtaking a road train...on a solid white line, on a bend...they're very lucky to have survived that!

[phild12s131e]

I'm a Top Ender with a foot in 2 camps, 40+ years in the NT so experienced in the use of the Stuart Hwy and also as a caravanner currently touring through Southern States and back home. As such I'm dissappointed in some of the garbage and arrogance being displayed here. I think that I would have spent more time on the Stuart Hwy, it's entire length, than most people here. That also includes while it was still dirt from Pimba to the NT border.
The conversion to an open speed limit wasn't done so people could sit on what ever high speed they liked and to hell with anyone else that gets in the way. It was done to allow you to cruise on a speed that suited the conditions. Conditions includes the road, weather, any animals, your self, your vehicle and other users. High speed when encountering other slower users who are driving to their own conditions isn't particularly safe driving and can result in you being booked for it. Everyone has an equal right to also be on that road just like you. Over the decades as a driver on our roads, and others, I have yet to find any category of road user that doesn't have it's own offenders and I would have difficulties in naming any category as being the main offender. Rather than condemn caravaners, some people need to undergo an attitude readjustment of their own first.

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by Full Noise

I’m not anti old people, just when they drive on the roads unaware of their limitations.

the road is for everyone, no law against it, it is up to the experienced people to be mindful of the less confident or les experienced, that is called "sharing the road safely", just as it important for them to be mindful of others as well

I often share a racetrack with inexperienced people, you just work around them knowing full well their limitations, no biggie

Not everyone has 9 billion kilometres accident free under their belt

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by phild12s131e

I'm a Top Ender with a foot in 2 camps, 40+ years in the NT so experienced in the use of the Stuart Hwy and also as a caravanner currently touring through Southern States and back home. As such I'm dissappointed in some of the garbage and arrogance being displayed here. I think that I would have spent more time on the Stuart Hwy, it's entire length, than most people here. That also includes while it was still dirt from Pimba to the NT border.
The conversion to an open speed limit wasn't done so people could sit on what ever high speed they liked and to hell with anyone else that gets in the way. It was done to allow you to cruise on a speed that suited the conditions. Conditions includes the road, weather, any animals, your self, your vehicle and other users. High speed when encountering other slower users who are driving to their own conditions isn't particularly safe driving and can result in you being booked for it. Everyone has an equal right to also be on that road just like you. Over the decades as a driver on our roads, and others, I have yet to find any category of road user that doesn't have it's own offenders and I would have difficulties in naming any category as being the main offender. Rather than condemn caravaners, some people need to undergo an attitude readjustment of their own first.

absolutely spot on, this forum is full of people like these "expert riders/drivers", it is why I rarely post here anymore

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by stockNAfairlane

You can't compare the autobahn in Germany to a road up the back of NT, it's very very different as are the conditions for car ownership and maintenance

and attitude and licensing standards

[castellan]

Originally Posted by phild12s131e

I'm a Top Ender with a foot in 2 camps, 40+ years in the NT so experienced in the use of the Stuart Hwy and also as a caravanner currently touring through Southern States and back home. As such I'm dissappointed in some of the garbage and arrogance being displayed here. I think that I would have spent more time on the Stuart Hwy, it's entire length, than most people here. That also includes while it was still dirt from Pimba to the NT border.
The conversion to an open speed limit wasn't done so people could sit on what ever high speed they liked and to hell with anyone else that gets in the way. It was done to allow you to cruise on a speed that suited the conditions. Conditions includes the road, weather, any animals, your self, your vehicle and other users. High speed when encountering other slower users who are driving to their own conditions isn't particularly safe driving and can result in you being booked for it. Everyone has an equal right to also be on that road just like you. Over the decades as a driver on our roads, and others, I have yet to find any category of road user that doesn't have it's own offenders and I would have difficulties in naming any category as being the main offender. Rather than condemn caravaners, some people need to undergo an attitude readjustment of their own first.

Some fools some how, just presume that people are just going to drive flat out regardless.
The NT Cops would bust ya for driving like a fool or doing anything stupid on that highway, even back in the 80's.

Not all caravanners are idiots ! and that's a fact.

But many are, and that's talking about all over Australia, they have been for as long as I have been driving, and are a total disgrace to see how they get about, with some the nose of the car way up in the air and the rear way down, really ?

How many have I seen destroyed on the road and how many times has a wheel happened to just gone missing.

I am all for a must be Lic for towing vans because of the idiots that are out their.
They are the biggest bunch of fools on the road by far.

It is not the safest combination by far caravanning and I have towed enough rubbish to know it's a fact.

[Outbackjack]

This in today's local paper:

"NT ROAD TOLL DECLINES,

recent data indicates there has been a 2.4% decrease in the number of road fatalities in the NT. In the past 12 months 41 people have died on NT roads compared with 42 people in the same period in the previous year. Nationwide there has been a 1.6 % increase in road fatalities in the 12 months to June 2015, compared with a year earlier"

This does not prove that higher speed limits save lives. But is does indicate that they don't mean wholesale carnage.....

I wonder if the main stream media will run this?

[M&Ms]

Yet if the road toll had gone up by 1 (or 1.6%), it would make front page news: "Reckless Open Speed Limts Cost Lives." I'm sure the media won't run it otherwise.

With my Statisticians hat back on, unless there was a shift of 30% either way in the figures, then I wouldn't say there had been an kind of impact. As said above, this just proves that the higher speed limits do not have any impact on the road toll, Case Closed.

[xxx000]

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

This in today's local paper:

"NT ROAD TOLL DECLINES,

recent data indicates there has been a 2.4% decrease in the number of road fatalities in the NT. In the past 12 months 41 people have died on NT roads compared with 42 people in the same period in the previous year. Nationwide there has been a 1.6 % increase in road fatalities in the 12 months to June 2015, compared with a year earlier"

This does not prove that higher speed limits save lives. But is does indicate that they don't mean wholesale carnage.....

I wonder if the main stream media will run this?

I didn't know that one year of stats with the open limit is proof positive

[Madaya]

My 1 cents worth, having driven on NT highways, but none of them unrestricted. All limited at 130 kmh. Sat on 130 for a little while, cruising, but settled back to around 110. Just felt comfortable. I was just enjoying the view.
Higher speeds require higher concentration.
I think I was overtaken once, the entire trip from 3 ways to Queensland ( a 130 highway but in most parts could be more).
Here in South Western Oz, we finally have a dual carriageway between Perth and Bunbury,
speed limit 110. It seems as if nothing has changed from the original road. People still crash.
Okay, we have Learner drivers, P drivers and eventually drivers. But do we have Real Drivers.

[Outbackjack]

Originally Posted by xxx000

I didn't know that one year of stats with the open limit is proof positive

I didn't say it was proof positive. I just said that it doesn't mean wholesale road carnage....