Controversial driving move by ute driver divides opinion
- Replies 78
A recent incident involving a driver of a utility vehicle has sparked an intense and divisive reaction among Aussies on social media.
Some view the driver's actions as entitled and risky, suggesting their impatience could have led to a dangerous accident. Meanwhile, others support the driver's behaviour.
The incident occurred on Ridge Hill Road in Helena Valley, Perth, as captured by dashcam footage. In the video, we see a driver navigating the road carefully, particularly when encountering cyclists while travelling in a northward direction.
The vehicle recording the footage overtook one cyclist with caution, and then it patiently followed behind a second cyclist, waiting for the right moment to pass.
After waiting for about a minute, a truck approached from the opposite direction. Shortly after, a white utility vehicle crossed double unbroken lines, overtaking both the first driver and the second cyclist.
Needless to say, the video garnered a lot of attention on the internet, leading to heated debates.
Some supported the utility driver, arguing that the cyclist had ample time to overtake the vehicle. 'I usually ride in the bike lane, and when there are cars, I give them plenty of space to pass, or sometimes I go on the footpath if there is one and no one on it,' said one user.
A few argued that roads not designed for cyclists shouldn't allow bikes. Others also believed the dashcam driver had multiple opportunities to pass safely.
On the other hand, some people defended the dashcam driver, even going as far as calling the utility driver 'entitled'.
They praised the patience of drivers who showed consideration for cyclists, noting that the cyclists were keeping a safe distance. 'Nice to see drivers having patience with bikes,' they said.
Concerns were also raised about the utility driver's actions, particularly the risky maneuver over a double white line.
'That was so dangerous, putting everyone's life in danger…' commented one user.
Edward Hore, President of the Australian Cycling Alliance, strongly criticised the ute driver, asserting that they were 'absolutely in the wrong'.
Hore clarified the situation: 'By passing the cyclist, he did not break the law. But he did break the law by passing the truck because of the double white lines.'
He went on to commend the truck driver, who captured the incident on their dashcam, saying: 'He is a legend, and he needs to be celebrated. He was very aware of what was happening and where he was on the road.'
Hore further argued that the utility vehicle driver should reconsider their qualifications to hold a driver's license, as their actions were illegal and hazardous.
In Western Australia, the road rules dictate that drivers should not cross double-unbroken lines for overtaking.
However, there are exceptions: you can cross these lines to turn right at an intersection or when entering or exiting a property or a different road. Violating this rule can lead to a $150 fine and three demerit points on your license.
In contrast, overtaking is allowed in other states like New South Wales when passing a bicycle. You can also cross double lines to avoid an obstruction in the road, as long as that obstruction is not a slower or stopped car.
However, in Victoria, the rules are more stringent. Passing a cyclist on a road with double unbroken lines is prohibited.
According to VicRoads, 'You are not allowed cross over these lines for any reason unless you have to avoid an obstruction and it is safe to do so. You can't overtake, turn, or enter or leave the road across double lines.'
Members, what do you think of the incident? Who do you think was in the right? That said, we also urge everyone to stay safe on the road!
Some view the driver's actions as entitled and risky, suggesting their impatience could have led to a dangerous accident. Meanwhile, others support the driver's behaviour.
The incident occurred on Ridge Hill Road in Helena Valley, Perth, as captured by dashcam footage. In the video, we see a driver navigating the road carefully, particularly when encountering cyclists while travelling in a northward direction.
The vehicle recording the footage overtook one cyclist with caution, and then it patiently followed behind a second cyclist, waiting for the right moment to pass.
After waiting for about a minute, a truck approached from the opposite direction. Shortly after, a white utility vehicle crossed double unbroken lines, overtaking both the first driver and the second cyclist.
The reaction to the utility driver's manoeuvre was completely mixed, with a wave of arguments on both sides. Credit: Facebook.
Needless to say, the video garnered a lot of attention on the internet, leading to heated debates.
Some supported the utility driver, arguing that the cyclist had ample time to overtake the vehicle. 'I usually ride in the bike lane, and when there are cars, I give them plenty of space to pass, or sometimes I go on the footpath if there is one and no one on it,' said one user.
A few argued that roads not designed for cyclists shouldn't allow bikes. Others also believed the dashcam driver had multiple opportunities to pass safely.
On the other hand, some people defended the dashcam driver, even going as far as calling the utility driver 'entitled'.
They praised the patience of drivers who showed consideration for cyclists, noting that the cyclists were keeping a safe distance. 'Nice to see drivers having patience with bikes,' they said.
Concerns were also raised about the utility driver's actions, particularly the risky maneuver over a double white line.
'That was so dangerous, putting everyone's life in danger…' commented one user.
Edward Hore, President of the Australian Cycling Alliance, strongly criticised the ute driver, asserting that they were 'absolutely in the wrong'.
Hore clarified the situation: 'By passing the cyclist, he did not break the law. But he did break the law by passing the truck because of the double white lines.'
He went on to commend the truck driver, who captured the incident on their dashcam, saying: 'He is a legend, and he needs to be celebrated. He was very aware of what was happening and where he was on the road.'
Hore further argued that the utility vehicle driver should reconsider their qualifications to hold a driver's license, as their actions were illegal and hazardous.
In Western Australia, the road rules dictate that drivers should not cross double-unbroken lines for overtaking.
However, there are exceptions: you can cross these lines to turn right at an intersection or when entering or exiting a property or a different road. Violating this rule can lead to a $150 fine and three demerit points on your license.
In contrast, overtaking is allowed in other states like New South Wales when passing a bicycle. You can also cross double lines to avoid an obstruction in the road, as long as that obstruction is not a slower or stopped car.
However, in Victoria, the rules are more stringent. Passing a cyclist on a road with double unbroken lines is prohibited.
According to VicRoads, 'You are not allowed cross over these lines for any reason unless you have to avoid an obstruction and it is safe to do so. You can't overtake, turn, or enter or leave the road across double lines.'
Members, what do you think of the incident? Who do you think was in the right? That said, we also urge everyone to stay safe on the road!
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