Open Speed Limit Highway in NT???

[Trevor 57]

In all your years driving how many oily spots on the road have you encountered that required you to use "skid control", that is a bull-**** reason and rarely if ever happens, but is one that is thrown up all the time, I reckon you are number 4000000 that have said that to me.

I got my licence in 1975, never had one yet and drove professionally for quite a number of years, must be good luck eh?

It is called driving to the conditions!!!!!!

I remember Dick Johnson being interviewed after losing control of his Sierra down Conrod Straight, the commentator said that he showed great car control as the thing did 2 or 3 360's without hitting anything. Dick said "I was hangin on, hoping to not hit anything" that is Dick's interpretation of skid control.

If your car is skidding, you haven't been paying attention to your environment and haven't been driving accordingly (or you did it deliberately)

I am happy to keep debating this, but Gas might get upset with us being off-topic

[Romulus]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

In all your years driving how many oily spots on the road have you encountered that required you to use "skid control", that is a bull-**** reason and rarely if ever happens, but is one that is thrown up all the time, I reckon you are number 4000000 that have said that to me.

I got my licence in 1975, never had one yet and drove professionally for quite a number of years, must be good luck eh?

It is called driving to the conditions!!!!!!

I remember Dick Johnson being interviewed after losing control of his Sierra down Conrod Straight, the commentator said that he showed great car control as the thing did 2 or 3 360's without hitting anything. Dick said "I was hangin on, hoping to not hit anything" that is Dick's interpretation of skid control.

If your car is skidding, you haven't been paying attention to your environment and haven't been driving accordingly (or you did it deliberately)

I am happy to keep debating this, but Gas might get upset with us being off-topic

Tell us the name of your driving school, I'll advise everyone to avoid you like the plague.

Car control is the key to driver survivor. "If in doubt, power out!"

[asagaai]

Need to appreciate defensive driving (ie be perceptive of conditions and modulate accordingly) BUT also need car control.

Example- was involved in a case where mum and daughter driving down to Gosford on the Pacific Highway, going round a sweeping left curve in light rain (dual carriageway both directions).

Mum going at about 90 kph odd in kerbside lane, turned right to overtaking lane to overtake slow car, and at that time on the left sweeping uphill curve, an access road was causing a sheet of water to flow over the dual carriageway. So she hits this sheet of river flowing, not appreciating it was there as the car she was overtaking obscured it.

Car aquaplanes, she hits the anchors with the wheels still in the right turning overtaking position- as a consequence her vehicle continues sliding into oncoming lane, now exposing her daughter in passenger seat to oncoming Holden with boat, which T bones daughters passenger door and killing both.

Had she learned when a car aquaplanes to take foot off brake and straighten the wheels up and go with it, and then re-apply brakes and steering with soft feet/hands, she and her daughter would still be here this day.

Need to learn both skills.

[GasoLane]

For those that missed it before.............

The topic is the NT Speed Limit, not who can write the best Bitumen Graffiti.

[asagaai]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

For those that missed it before.............

The topic is the NT Speed Limit, not who can write the best Bitumen Graffiti.

OK- not a good idea to do 195 kph in a Cortina TE on NT road going north from Katherine.....but otherwise very good idea.....

[phild12s131e]

Drove from Tennant Ck to Coober Pedy today, road reasonably quiet, good weather but a bit of buffeting from a cross wind. Was a only cruising at 120-125 but only one vehicle over-took me and only one going the other way looked like was going at 130+. The one that passed me was the Highway Patrol after chatting to someone on the side of the road. Saw them again at Ti Tree with 2 cars pulled over (one on each side of the Hwy). So they are actively watching what is going on. None of the 3 pulled over were high speed likely vehicles.

Notable thing for me was the condition of the unrestricted section plus other sections North as well as South of Alice. The push for unrestricted sections has been accompanied by improvements elsewhere as well. If this is what has had to happen to get a general improvement then I want to see more of it. I was last over this route in May and can see changes since then. It's not just the actual bitumen as there is additional, and long overdue, signage of all descriptions as well as more verge clearing. South of the border and it's a shame as the road itself is so similar but what is missing is the verge clearing to allow higher speeds. I guess that it's a case of SA can't afford it and not interested.

[burnz]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

For those that missed it before.............

The topic is the NT Speed Limit, not who can write the best Bitumen Graffiti.

sorry miss read your post..

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by F6 Concorde

Tell us the name of your driving school, I'll advise everyone to avoid you like the plague.

Australia's largest, google is your friend, but I haven't worked there for quite a few years

Originally Posted by F6 Concorde

Car control is the key to driver survivor. "If in doubt, power out!"

kinda sums up this forum in recent times, you have confirmed my opinion


Sorry Rog, just gotta have the last word

[castellan]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

In all your years driving how many oily spots on the road have you encountered that required you to use "skid control", that is a bull-**** reason and rarely if ever happens, but is one that is thrown up all the time, I reckon you are number 4000000 that have said that to me.

I got my licence in 1975, never had one yet and drove professionally for quite a number of years, must be good luck eh?

It is called driving to the conditions!!!!!!

I remember Dick Johnson being interviewed after losing control of his Sierra down Conrod Straight, the commentator said that he showed great car control as the thing did 2 or 3 360's without hitting anything. Dick said "I was hangin on, hoping to not hit anything" that is Dick's interpretation of skid control.

If your car is skidding, you haven't been paying attention to your environment and haven't been driving accordingly (or you did it deliberately)

I am happy to keep debating this, but Gas might get upset with us being off-topic

May have to go to another subject on this forum to talk about that dicky boys interpretation in depth, he was not just hanging on like a fool would, or some fool could maybe interpret that. he did the correct thing that a master would do in that situation.

[Outbackjack]

Recent announcement from the NT government.

OPEN SPEED LIMIT EXTENSIONS

We’re committed to giving responsibility back to YOU.
Speed limit signs are DOWN and restrictions are now gone between ALICE SPRINGS and TENNANT CREEK on the Stuart Hwy (from Willowra Turn-Off to Barrow Creek). Beyond Tennant to Katherine and the Barkly Hwy are next on the agenda.
Territorians have always acted sensibly in open speed limit zones, with 85% of drivers travelling between 133- 139km/hr; and most driving to the conditions.
Of the 11 crashes that occurred during the 2014 year long trial period on stretches of the Stuart Hwy, there were no fatalities. And of the one serious injury reported, alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt were factors.
Make no mistake - the Opposition will remove open speed limits.

The Territory has a unique road network, and we’ll continue to expand, upgrade, and take an evidence-based approach to speed limits on our major highways.

[phild12s131e]

"Make no mistake - the Opposition will remove open speed limits."
Not only that but probably also reduce it to 110 like elsewhere, as well as stop funding the improvements that have happened on the unrestricted section so far being carried out on the rest of the Stuart Hwy and more.

[castellan]

Originally Posted by phild12s131e

"Make no mistake - the Opposition will remove open speed limits."
Not only that but probably also reduce it to 110 like elsewhere, as well as stop funding the improvements that have happened on the unrestricted section so far being carried out on the rest of the Stuart Hwy and more.

Our highest authority Political Correctness says speed kills, we have no rights to judge the new age PC god.
Even if you get bored sitting on 100km/h and go to sleep at the wheel, there is nothing to look at, it's all the same rubbish for miles and miles hour on hour.
Everyone with more than half a brain knows if you sit on 130km/h or more you will keep awake.
Pulling up every 1/2 hour walking around the car a few times to wake up and putting up with the fly's and swollen cows and the heat is not my cup of tea.

Driving a truck or having tow a van is ok at 100km/h because you are more alert to do so.

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

Recent announcement from the NT government.

OPEN SPEED LIMIT EXTENSIONS

We’re committed to giving responsibility back to YOU.
Speed limit signs are DOWN and restrictions are now gone between ALICE SPRINGS and TENNANT CREEK on the Stuart Hwy (from Willowra Turn-Off to Barrow Creek). Beyond Tennant to Katherine and the Barkly Hwy are next on the agenda.
Territorians have always acted sensibly in open speed limit zones, with 85% of drivers travelling between 133- 139km/hr; and most driving to the conditions.
Of the 11 crashes that occurred during the 2014 year long trial period on stretches of the Stuart Hwy, there were no fatalities. And of the one serious injury reported, alcohol and not wearing a seatbelt were factors.
Make no mistake - the Opposition will remove open speed limits.

The Territory has a unique road network, and we’ll continue to expand, upgrade, and take an evidence-based approach to speed limits on our major highways.

The things I would do to be able to drive the Hume without the 110kph limit. The road is littered with crosses, denoting deaths, and I'm nearly certain most of them died of boredom.

[Outbackjack]

NT cruisin' A bit long. I must learn how to use movie maker... A little windy today so mostly sub 200.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKRfbDcmHJQ

[Simple6]

Only watched a few minutes, but looked good! My Territory is limited to 180km/h so I haven't been able to crack the 200, not that I'd have the cajones for it on a bike!

Hopefully that Barrow Creek accident the other day (as sad as it is) won't kick off a scare campaign to revert back to 130km/h limits.

[Mercury Bullet]

Am listening to ABC radio as I type and there is some knob of a doctor ranting about the open limit and how it will kill people. Not that it is killing anyone. Fact is it's one of the safest pieces of road in Australia.

Labor have stated that they will put up 130 signs everywhere again if they win the election.

Most people are driving between 130 and 140 on the open section.

Territory road toll has been linked to that of Pakistan.

Territorians Rise up...for the love of god!

Too many morons get air-time in this country...

[Outbackjack]

Originally Posted by Mercury Bullet

Am listening to ABC radio as I type and there is some knob of a doctor ranting about the open limit and how it will kill people. Not that it is killing anyone. Fact is it's one of the safest pieces of road in Australia.

Labor have stated that they will put up 130 signs everywhere again if they win the election.

Most people are driving between 130 and 140 on the open section.

Territory road toll has been linked to that of Pakistan.

Territorians Rise up...for the love of god!

Too many morons get air-time in this country...

Could not have said it better myself. But sadly there will almost certainly be a change of government soon. Not only will they bring back laws to keep us safe out on the hiway they will also bring back laws to empower itinerants and drunks and reward criminals. Think back to the days of Clare Martin.

[ebxr8240]

Just come back from up there . Main issue is wildlife on road . Plus if you drive too fast ? You soon run out of fuel ! I have 350 litre tank 1200 to 1500 per fill depending on wind ., Most are traveling 120'to 140 when passing . Btw bugger actual sedans up there ! Mainl SUV's of light trucks ..

[Outbackjack]

Well it looks like the Nanny state has been reborn in the NT. Say goodbye taking responsibility for yourself on the open road. The state will be watching now. I told my 16 YO daughter that tonight may be the last night that she will be able to go to the movies with friends. The town will soon be full of itinerant drunks knowing that there will be no retribution for criminal acts. It will get very dangerous again.

The ALP has even stated they want to bring the high ways in line with the rest of the country. Thats loony left speak for 110 on some of the straightest and longest roads in the country. It also means that they will stop all the road work that has been in progress for the last 4 years. We wont need good roads when you can only do 110. Watch the road toll start to go up with so many falling asleep at the wheel because the drive from the Alice to Darwin will now be at least 18 hours. And people will still try and do it in one session because the cost of stopping at road houses is so expensive. It will also push more people on the road at night time. A very bad situation. Its a sad day for the Territory. I always thought that Aussies generally get elections rite. I now know that you can get into Government by promising new veranda'a and granny flats to people that have never had a job and are never likely to get one.

Sad days ahead.

[Vincenzo]

Spoken like a true CLP voter!!

Vincenzo

[phild12s131e]

Originally Posted by Vincenzo

Spoken like a true CLP voter!!

Vincenzo

I'd disagree with that. It's so true with vote buying even with the CLP. Throwing money at some sporting clubs that were even in decline and being done so outside of the rules that other clubs had to observe. Other than ALP/Greens voters the main person who will be happy with the likely result will be Harold Scruby. I'm so glad that the only times these days that I venture out for a full Stuart Hwy run is while towing a caravan so hardly likely to bother the Police much.

As to other probabilities from the result, I too expect that the "little darlings" who are so over represented in crime statistics will be less savagely treated with the lettuce leaf thrashings that the Courts so often dish out.

Phil

[Outbackjack]

Originally Posted by Vincenzo

Spoken like a true CLP voter!!

Vincenzo

Look at my post history and you will see how wrong you are. Only idiots vote for bad policy. And what's good for other states is not good for the NT. Speed limits is one example.

[GasoLane]

This thread is supposed to be about Speed limits in the NT.

Not about Elections, party promises or policies.

Stay on topic please.

[prydey]

you say this

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

Say goodbye taking responsibility for yourself on the open road.

but then this seems to contradict yourself

Originally Posted by Outbackjack

And people will still try and do it in one session because the cost of stopping at road houses is so expensive. It will also push more people on the road at night time. A very bad situation.

i'm all for open speed zones, but this seems to be implying that people only take responsibility for themselves when they are allowed to travel faster.

people should take responsibility for their own actions regardless of the speed limit.

[Vincenzo]

For what it is worth OJ / I too will mourn the potential loss of open speed limits. Been here since 1980 and have travelled the Stuart many times at speed.

Vincenzo

[Trevor 57]

Some people think it is only in NT do people travel long distances on straight roads, I think they need to get out more

[Outbackjack]

Originally Posted by prydey

you say this


but then this seems to contradict yourself


i'm all for open speed zones, but this seems to be implying that people only take responsibility for themselves when they are allowed to travel faster.

people should take responsibility for their own actions regardless of the speed limit.

I look at this way. With an open limit you had a choice. Soon you will have no choice. Take away people's option to make a choice and you take away their ability to act responsibly.

[Outbackjack]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Some people think it is only in NT do people travel long distances on straight roads, I think they need to get out more

What do you mean get out more. Really? The NT is very unique. It is not like the rest of the country. If you got out more you would realise that.

[Simple6]

Very disappointing to be losing open speed limits for no real reason. I've said it earlier in this thread, but I'll say it again - not a single person has died in the open speed limit due to excessive speed. There was the sad case of a couple of grey nomads who died up near Barrow Creek a few months back, but given they were towing a caravan, I highly doubt they were travelling in excess of even 100km/h, let alone 130km/h. They were the fist recorded deaths in the 300km or so unrestricted section since the reintroduction two and a half years ago and a number in a red circle on a signpost wouldn't have made the damnest difference. I'm sure Labor will jump up and down telling us that this is for our safety (thanks Mum) and it's simply trying to reduce our third world road toll statistics, but it can't actually improve the road toll at all when no one has actually died because of excessive speed in this area.

First time I've heard of 110km/h limits being imposed, I'd thought we'd simply go back to 130km/h. If it's true, that's even more frustrating! I've done the run down into SA a few times and it's such a bummer dropping down to 110km/h, so I really hope that won't occur.

Another consequence? Red Centre Nats...I think the open speed limit is a draw card for entrants coming out here as another attraction they can have a play with. Time will tell whether this has an impact.

[joolz]

My brother is a police officer in Darwin. I'm sure he will be directed to do speed checks after the change to save lives....Nothing to do with revenue....