Thursday, September 09, 2010
   
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Protocols Legislation and Rules

K53 - Rules of the Road

THE GENERAL RULE IS KEEP LEFT

An International Driving Permit is not compulsory (but is strongly recommended),  foreign motorists with international drivers licenses will be entitled to assistance from the Automobile Association.  It is is a legal document, which endorses the foreign license.

Drive as far left as possible unless you are overtaking. Don't encroach on the right side of the road obstructing oncoming traffic.



DIVIDED ROADS
  • When a road has been divided into two or more lanes by means of an intervening space such as a painted island or by a physical barrier or traffic island, keep to the left of that barrier unless otherwise directed by a traffic sign or ordered by a traffic officer to use other lanes.
  • Never cross those barriers or islands except through an opening or at a cross-over or intersection.



OVERTAKING
  • Overtake slower vehicles travelling in the same direction on their right
  • You may overtake:
    1. If a road sign or marking does not specifically prohibited overtaking.
    2. Only when it is safe without obstructing or endangering other traffic.
    3. and when you've activated your indicators.
  • You may not overtake:
    1. When approaching the summit of a bridge, rise or hill.
    2. When approaching a curve.
    3. If visibility is restricted.
    4. A vehicle which has stopped at a pedestrian or railway crossing.
    5. On the shoulder or verge of the road.
    6. At any intersection.
    7. When a solid barrier line or road sign prohibits it.
  • You may overtake a slower vehicle ahead of you when on it's left when:
    1. That vehicle is turning right or signalling to turn right.
    2. The road is a one-way and wide enough for two or more lanes of traffic.
    3. The road is divided into two or more lanes.
  • When overtaking stationary vehicles:
    1. Reduce speed.
    2. Watch out for passengers getting in or out of the vehicle.
    3. Look out for pedestrians trying to cross the road near the vehicle.
  • When you are being overtaken:
    1. Move to the left side of the road as far as possible.
    2. Do not accelerate.
    3. move into the left lane if it is a multi-lane road.



THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD
  • Don't drive on the shoulder of a road (left of the yellow line) after dark. You ARE allowed to drive there when you want another vehicle to pass you under the following conditions:
    1. Only during the day between sunrise and sunset
    2. When the road is designated for one lane of traffic in each direction
    3. When the motor vehicle you want to pass you is being overtaken by another vehicle
    4. If you have clear visibility for at least 150 metres.



CROSSING OR ENTERING A ROAD

You must not drive across a road or enter it unless the road is clear of traffic for a sufficient distance so that you won't obstruct or endanger cars coming from the left or right.

When you are driving in a road divided into lanes, don't turn from one lane into or across another lane unless it can be done without obstructing or endangering other traffic and after you had signalled clearly.




DRIVING SIGNALS

If you want to stop, reduce speed suddenly, turn or change lanes you must give a clear signal, in the prescribed manner (see hand signals) visible to other drivers approaching from the front, rear or from the side and for long enough to warn other motorists of your intention.




RIGHT OF WAY AT CERTAIN INTERSECTIONS

If you want to enter a junction of two or more roads at a traffic island, yield right of way to all vehicles approaching from your right unless otherwise instructed by a traffic officer or traffic sign.




PROCEDURE WHEN TURNING

Turning left:
Before reaching the point where you want to turn left, keep as far left as possible and indicate your intention to turn left. And when you do turn, merge carefully with the other traffic.

Turning right:
If you want to turn right and you are on a road with lanes in both directions, drive as close to the middle of the road as possible without crossing over into the opposite lane, indicate that you want to turn right and then turn without obstructing or endangering other traffic. If you want to turn right at an intersection you must not encroach on the right half of the road into which you will be turning or on the road from where you are turning, except in the intersection itself. You must at all times pass to the left of any traffic island or comply with appropriate traffic sign ordering you otherwise.

Turning right from a one-way road:
If you are in a one-way road you must drive as far right as possible approaching the turn off but take care not encroach on the right half of the roadway into which you are turning. Again pass to the left of a traffic island or comply with appropriate road traffic signs.

Turning into a one-way road:
If the road you are turning into is a one-way then you may encroach on the right half of that road.




TOWING VEHICLES
  • No person shall operate a vehicle on a public road towing another vehicle
    1. If the length of the tow-rope, chain or tow-bar between the two vehicles exceeds 3,5m.
    2. If the two vehicles are not under control.
    3. Unless vehicle being towed is controlled by a person holding a driving licence authorising him or her to drive that class of vehicle.
    4. If the brakes of the towed vehicle are faulty and it is not being towed by a rigid drawbar or tow-bar.
    5. More than 30 km/h unless the two vehicles are connected by means of a rigid drawbar or a tow-bar.
    6. If the towed vehicle is conveying persons and 30 km/h is exceeded unless the towed vehicle is a semi-trailer.
    7. If the towing vehicle is a motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadricycle or pedal cycle.
  • All trailers (including caravans) must have yellow reflective tape displayed along at least 80% of the sides and rear of the trailer. This tape must be fitted at least 250mm above the ground but not higher than 1.5m and must display either the SABS or E marks of approval. (This rule also apply to all goods vehicles over 10 000kg or longer than 6 meters.)



STOPPING OF VEHICLES
  • Except to avoid an accident or complying with a road traffic sign or with an order given by a traffic officer, or for any cause beyond the control of the driver, you may not stop a vehicle at the following spots
    1. Alongside or opposite an excavation or obstruction on the public road if other traffic would be obstructed or endangered by such stopping.
    2. Within any tunnel or subway or on any bridge or within 6m of any tunnel, subway or bridge.
    3. On, or within 6m from the beginning or end of, any part of such roadway where the normal width thereof has for any reason been constricted.
    4. In contravention of any road traffic sign.
    5. On the right-hand side of such roadway facing oncoming traffic.
    6. Alongside or opposite any other vehicle on such roadway where such roadway is less than 9m wide.
    7. Within the railway reserve at a level crossing.
    8. Within 9m of his or her approaching side of a pedestrian crossing demarcated by appropriate road traffic signs; or
    9. In any other place where the stopping of a vehicle would or would be likely to constitute a danger or an obstruction to other traffic.



PARKING OF VEHICLES
  • Don't park a vehicle;
    1. In contravention of a traffic sign.
    2. On the same side and within 1,5 metres of a fire hydrant.
    3. In any place where your vehicle would obscure a traffic sign.
    4. In a way that it encroaches on a sidewalk.
    5. In a way that the vehicle obstructs any private or public driveway.
  • No person shall park a vehicle on any portion of a road (excluding the shoulders) outside an urban area with any part of the vehicle within 1m of the edge of the roadway except in a demarcated parking place.
  • No person shall park a vehicle on the roadway of a public road within an urban area:
    1. Within 9m of a pedestrian crossing unless in a demarcated parking bay.
    2. Within 5m of any intersection unless in a demarcated parking bay.
    3. On the actuating mechanism of a traffic signal.
    4. With the outside of the left-hand wheels more than 450 mm from the curb or road way edge or if it is a one-way, with the right-hand wheels more than 450 mm from the edge or curb except when parking is otherwise permitted by a specific sign or road marking.
  • No person shall park a motor vehicle on a traffic island or in a pedestrian mall or pedestrian lane.



COMPULSORY STOPS
  • You must stop your vehicle;
    1. In compliance with any traffic sign or order given by a traffic officer in uniform
    2. At the request or on the signal of a person leading or driving animals.



GENERAL
  • No person driving a vehicle shall
    1. Reverse in an unsafe manner or allow a vehicle to run backwards for an excessive distance or time causing danger or inconvenience to any occupant of that vehicle or to other traffic.
    2. Follow another vehicle closer than is reasonably safe considering speed, weather and road conditions or closer than is prescribed in these regulations;
    3. Allow any person, animal or object to occupy any position prevent him or her to be in complete control of the vehicle or hampering the ability to signal his or her intention of stopping, slowing down or changing direction.
    4. Allow any one to interfere with the steering or other controls.
    5. Occupy such position that he or she does not have complete control over the vehicle or have a restricted view of the road and the traffic ahead.
    6. Allow the vehicle to remain unattended without setting its parking brake or using another method to prevent the vehicle from moving.
    7. Not pull away from a parking bay, side of the road or any stationary position in a manner which could interfere with or endanger traffic approaching from any direction
    8. Fail to give immediate right of way to a vehicle sounding a siren.
    9. Allow any portion of his or her body to protrude outside the vehicle while it is in motion except for the purpose of giving hand signals or allow passengers to protrude beyond the vehicle.
    10. Permit any person or animal to be on the roof, any step or running board while the vehicle is in motion.
    11. Allow the engine to emit excessive smoke or fumes.
    12. Allow the engine to run while the vehicle is stationary and unattended;
    13. Allow petrol, oil or grease or other flammable or offensive matter, ashes or refuseto spill out of the vehicle.
    14. Leave the engine running while filling it with petrol or other fuel.
  • Allow any one to enter or exit the vehicle while it is moving and when it is stationary, allow people to leave the vehicle in a dangerous manner.
  • Drive, pull or push a vehicle on a sidewalk.



USING COMMUNICATION DEVICES WHILE DRIVING
  • Don't drive
    1. While holding a cellphone or any other communication device in one or both hands or with any other part of the body such as pinching the device between your shoulder and ear.
    2. This rule does not apply to the following people while driving in execution of their duties:
      • The driver of a fire-fighting vehicle.
      • The driver of a rescue vehicle or an ambulance.
      • A traffic officer.
      • A policeman or woman.
      • A soldier.
      • Any one engaged in a civil protection exercise or operation.



DUTIES RELATED TO MOTORCYCLES, MOTOR TRICYCLES AND QUADRICYCLES

When riding a motorcycle, motor tricycle or quad bike place your feet on the front foot-rests and sit properly astride on the saddle.

Don't carry a passenger on a motor cycle unless it has an engine capacity exceeding 50 cc and unless your passenger is seated in a side-car or astride behind you on a pillion seat with his or her feet placed on foot-rests.

Not more than two persons shall ride on a motorcycle excluding a person riding in a side-car if attached to the motorcycle.

Not more than two adult persons shall ride in a side-car attached to a motor.

No person or animal or object shall be carried on a motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quad bike in front of the rider. A non-bulky object may carried in front of the rider provided it is properly secured and attached but at no time it should obstruct the rider's view or prevent his or her complete control.

Riders, other than traffic officers in the performance of their duties, shall keep in single file except in the course of overtaking another motor cycle. Two or more motorcyclists shall not overtake another vehicle at the same time unless the road is divided into traffic lanes, then each lane, for the purposes of this paragraph and applicable to motorcycles only, shall be regarded as another road.

Riders of motorcycles, motor tricycles or quad bikes or their passengers shall take hold of any other vehicle in motion.

Riders must have at least one hand on the handlebars and keep all the wheels in contact with the surface of the road at all times.




EXCESSIVE NOISE

No person shall operate a vehicle emitting excessive noise which can be avoided by the exercise of reasonable care.




USE OF HOOTER

Don't your hooter except when it is necessary to avoid an accident or on the grounds of safety.




PEDESTRIANS RIGHT OF WAY

Where a pedestrian crossing is controlled by a traffic signal (light), pedestrians must cross only when the lights are in their favour.

Drivers shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping for pedestrians crossing the road within a pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian should not suddenly enter a pedestrian crossing and walk or run into the path of a vehicle.

When a vehicle has stopped at a pedestrian crossing other vehicles approaching from the rear shall not pass the stationary vehicle.




DUTIES OF PEDESTRIANS

If there is a sidewalk or footpath next to the road pedestrians shall not walk in the road except when crossing from one side to the other or for any other good reason.

Pedestrians on a road with no sidewalk or footpath shall walk as near as possible to the edge of the road on his or her right-hand side to face oncoming traffic except where pedestrians are prohibited by a traffic sign.

No pedestrian shall cross a road without checking that the road is sufficiently free from oncoming traffic to permit him or her to cross safely.

A pedestrian, when crossing a road at a pedestrian crossing or in any other manner, shall not linger on the road.

A pedestrian may cross a public road only at a pedestrian crossing or an intersection or at a distance further than 50 metres from such pedestrian crossing or intersection.




RACING AND SPORT
  • For the purposes of this regulation the expression "race or sport" includes
    1. Any race, speed trial, reliability trial, hill climbing competition or sports meeting.
    2. Any other activity whatsoever which may constitute a source of danger to traffic; or
    3. which may hamper, impede or disrupt the normal flow of traffic.
  • No person shall organize or take part in any race or sport on a public road, unless with prior written consent of the MEC of that province.



CONVOYS
  • Drivers forming part of a convoy of motor vehicles being delivered to a motor dealer or other person shall not do so;
    1. Between 6pm on a Friday or, in the case where such Friday is a public holiday, the preceding Thursday, and 6am on a Monday, or in the case where the Monday is a public holiday, the Tuesday (weekends)
    2. Or between the 6pm on the day preceding Christmas Day and 6am on the day immediately succeeding the Day of Goodwill.



OBSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC

No person shall intentionally prevent, hinder, or interrupt the free flow of traffic or cause danger or damage to traffic by placing or abandoning any object in the road.




ABANDONING OF VEHICLES
  • Any vehicle left in a public road in a position or in circumstances likely to cause danger or an obstruction to other traffic, may be removed by a traffic officer or person authorised by him or her.
  • Abandoned vehicles include those parked in a place where
    1. The stopping of a vehicle is prohibited.
    2. A vehicle of a class to which such vehicle belongs may not be parked.
  • or left for a continuous period of more than
    1. 24 hours in the same place on a road outside an urban area.
    2. Seven days in the same place on a public road within an urban area.
    3. Seven days on the site of any testing station.
  • or found on a public road
    1. With no or false licence plates.
    2. With no other number or anything affixed to the vehicle which could identify the owner.



DAMAGE TO PUBLIC ROADS
  • No person shall on a public road:
    1. Cause any wheel of any vehicle to drag or spin except in the case of an emergency.
    2. Use chocks or shoes between any wheel of a moving vehicle and the surface of such roadway.
    3. Use a vehicle or thing or move any vehicle or thing on the roadway causing or likely to cause damage to the road.



FREEWAYS
  • No person shall operate on a freeway:
    1. A vehicle drawn by an animal;
    2. A pedal cycle;
    3. A motor cycle having an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc or which is propelled by electrical power
    4. A motor tricycle or quad bike.
    5. A vehicle with a mass not exceeding 230 kilograms and specially designed, constructed or adapted for the use of a person suffering from a physical defect or disability
      6. .
    6. A tractor
  • No person shall be on a freeway on foot except within an area reserved for the stopping or parking by an appropriate traffic sign or road marking.
  • No one shall leave or allow an animal to be on a freeway except in or on a motor vehicle or within an area reserved for the stopping or parking of vehicles, or leave an animal in a place from where it may stray onto a freeway.
  • No person shall stop a vehicle on a freeway except
    1. In compliance with a traffic sign or on orders from by a traffic officer;
    2. Within an area reserved for the stopping or parking of vehicles by a traffic sign.
    3. For any cause beyond his or her control.
  • No one shall give a hand signal when driving a motor vehicle on a freeway except for a cause beyond his or her control.
The following information was replicated from
http://www.trafficsigns.co.za
 

South African Road Signs



REGULATORY SIGNS
Regulatory signs are used to regulate the actions of road users.

Regulatory signs may be used to indicate a regulation applicable in the interests of road safety, such as speed limit signs. Stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals are used to optimise traffic flow conditions.

• Control Signs
• Command Signs
• Prohibitions Signs
• Reservation Signs
• Comprehensive Signs
• Secondary Signs
• De-Restriction Signs
• Signals

WARNING SIGNS
Warning signs are used to alert drivers to dangerous situations on or bordering the roadway.

These signs indicate a need for additional care by road users, and may require a decrease in speed or other manoeuvres to ensure the safety of themselves, other road users, pedestrians or animals.

• Road Layout Signs
• Direction of Movement Signs
• Symbolic Signs
• Hazard Marker Signs
• Information Signs

GUIDANCE SIGNS
Guidance signs are provided to help navigate our increasingly complex and developing road network.

• Location Signs
• Direction Sign Symbols
• Route Markers
• Direction Signs
• Tourism Direction Signs
• Local Direction Signs
• Diagrammatic Signs
• Variable Message Signs

TEMPORARY SIGNS
Nearly all road signs can be used in either a permanent or temporary form.

Permanent signs include all road signs used to indicate normal conditions.

Temporary signs are identical to the permanent sign except for one major detail - they have a yellow background colour.

• Example of Temporary Signs

ROAD MARKINGS
Road markings, painted on the roads surface in white, red, or yellow, like road signs must be obeyed. Disobeying of road markings could also result in serious collisions endangering road users.

• Regulatory
• Warning
• Guidance
• Exclusive Use Symbols

The following information was replicated from
http://www.trafficsigns.co.za
 

Radio Protocol

This is a simple guide to the radio protocol.  For those who have had some experience using two-way radio this may vary from what you are used to, however this protocol has been found to be effective over a number of races for the Sunswift team.

How to use the radio

During testing or a race, each of the team's vehicles will have a CB radio fitted. The team also has a number of hand-held CB radios, including the radio inside the solar car. The controls for each of these are more or less the same.

To switch on the radio, rotate the volume switch. The squelch adjustment prevents you from hearing static while there is no traffic, so the radio only cuts in when someone is sending a message. Turn the squelch knob down to the minimum, then turn it up until no static is heard. Adjust volume to suit. For the solar car driver this is usually at the maximum volume. On the car-mounted radios adjust the channel by turning a dial, or by pressing the arrows on the hand-helds.

Before you speak into the microphone decide what you are going to say. Hold down the press to talk (PTT) button, then take a breath before you start speaking. This helps ensure that the start of your message is not cut off. Hold the microphone about 2 inches from your mouth, so that it is pointing to the left or right, and speak across the microphone. Do not speak directly into the microphone as your breath will distort the sound.

When not using the radio, make sure that the PTT is not being held down accidentally. This jams the channel for the entire convoy, and it is not possible to send a message to the offending vehicle.

Protocol

Each of the vehicles in the convoy will have a particular call sign. These will typically be:

Scout The scout vehicle, usually a few km ahead of the convoy
Lead The vehicle directly in front of the solar car
Solarcar Self explanatory
Chase The vehicle directly behind the solar car
Trailer The vehicle towing the solar car trailer           
Fleet All vehicles in the convoy

Feel free to experiment with the names, while on the World Solar Challenge 2007, I heard the following combinations, please forgive me if I heard these incorrectly.

Rabbit The vehicle directly in front of the solar car, Lead Vehicle
Fox Solar car
Hound The vehicle directly behind the solar car, the Chase Vehcile
Hunter The vehicle towing the solar car trailer

To send a message to someone in the convoy, you would use the following format

[Their vehicle] this is [your vehicle] [your message]

For example, if you were in Trailer and you wanted to tell Chase that you were stopping to fill up your petrol tank, then you would say

Chase this is Trailer. We're stopping for petrol.

All messages should be acknowledged so that the person sending them knows that the message has been received. For a simple message which needs only acknowledgment, the person receiving the message should press the PTT button twice. This is sufficient for most messages.

Don't leave the other party hanging. They will probably try to call you again at the same time that you finally reply, resulting in a big mish-mash which nobody can understand.

The person receiving may wish to confirm the details of the message, or ask a question about the message, in which case they will use the same format for sending a message. Continuing the example

Trailer this is Chase. Confirm that you're stopping for petrol. We'll slow down and wait for you to catch up.

Trailer would then press the PTT twice to acknowledge.

If you need time to consider your answer say, "Stand by", i.e.

Trailer this is Chase. Standby.

Trailer would then press the PTT twice to acknowledge, and then wait for Chase to get back to them.

If the receiving vehicle did not clearly hear the message, they would use the phrase, "Please repeat", or "say again", i.e.

Trailer this is Chase. Please repeat.

or

Trailer this is Chase. Say again.

Trailer would then repeat the previous message, or rephrase it to try to make it clearer.

If you intend to have a brief conversation with the other vehicle, then you may wish to get their attention before beginning. In this case you would say

Chase this is Trailer. Come in.

And then the other vehicle would reply

Trailer this is Chase. Receiving.

The two would then continue with their conversation, without the need for their call signs, i.e.

We're running low on fuel. Do you know if there are any servos coming up?

There's one in about 100 km. Will you have enough fuel to reach that?

And so on.

If you are sending a particularly long message, then you should try to break it up in case someone has an important message and needs to interrupt you. Release the PTT every dozen or so words for a second.

Fleet this is Chase. Trailer is running low on fuel [break] There's a servo in about 100 km. We'll see if we can make it [break] otherwise we'll pull over and use the jerry cans to fill up.

To make sure that we never leave anyone behind at a stop, each time the convoy moves out there will be a radio check. Each vehicle in turn will say its call sign and the number of occupants, starting from the front of the convoy, i.e.

Fleet this is Chase. Radio check.
Scout two
Lead four
Solarcar one
Chase four
Trailer three

Once the radio check has been completed the convoy will then move off.

There are occasions when much of this protocol will be abandoned. The team will be driving a long way each day, so banter across the radios helps to keep us entertained. It is traditional that the team plays I Spy with My Little Eye on such long trips, and games of trivial pursuit have been played across the radio, as well as Melbourne Cup sweeps, tour leading and general piss taking. It is however important that you understand that there is a time and a place for this behavior. This is particularly important when the solar car is on the road. Also be aware that what you find amusing others may find irritating, and be mindful that your banter could be annoying others or distracting them from work.

When the solar car is on the road

When the solar car is on the road, then its safety should take precedence. There should be no banter during this time, since the channel should remain clear as much as possible for communication with the solar car. Racing and testing is serious business and should be treated as such. The convoy's job is to protect the solar car and watch out for its safety.

If messages are sent they should be important enough that they can't wait until the next stop. When such messages are sent, then the sender should be mindful of the situation. Don't, for example, use the radio when the solar car is overtaking or being overtaken.

If there is something important to say between two vehicles, ask Chase for permission to change briefly to another channel. Always return promptly to the original channel and advise Chase that you have returned when radio traffic permits.

Chase is the only vehicle which should talk directly to the solar car. There will be someone sitting in Chase with a clear voice who will be watching out for traffic, and relaying instructions and warnings to the solar car. Lead will be relaying messages about road hazards and oncoming traffic to Chase. In some cases, as long as the solar car driver can hear them clearly, Chase will not need to repeat the messages.

If this is the case, the lead vehicle must keep the messages as brief as possible.  When repeatedly warning of hazards such as road kill it is usually best to abandon the format of [Their vehicle] this is [your vehicle] [your message]. A simple message such as:

"Road kill left of lane"

will be sufficient.  There was one incident where the lead vehicle was calling road kill in the following way: "Chase this is Lead. Please be advised that we have roadkill towards the left of the lane." This is far too long and prevents other messages from being sent.  When calling hazards it is important to always refer to the lane rather than the road.  For example, a hazard in the centre of the road should be called as "[hazard] right of lane".

Talking to the solar car

As has been noted, the only person who should be talking to the solar car will be someone in Chase. This person should speak very deliberately and with a clear voice. It is very noisy inside the solar car which makes listening to the radio difficult. To prevent misunderstanding, you should avoid messages which could be misunderstood if only part of the message is heard. For example, in SunRace while waiting at a control stop Chase sent the message, "Two minutes to go Solarcar", but all I heard was, "go Solarcar", and started to move off before I should have. Think about your message before you say it. Also avoid using negatives in your message to prevent misunderstanding. For example, if the message, "Don't merge right Solarcar" was sent, the driver could easily mishear this and do the opposite of what was intended.

The protocol for speaking to the solar car is a bit different, since the solar car driver will be listening out for the voice of the person in Chase. Messages to the solar car should take the form

[message] Solarcar

e.g.

Clear to merge right Solarcar


To make communication with the solar car easier there are a number of key words which are used. These will not cover every conceivable situation, but for the majority of messages

Solarcar Commands

Hold position Self explanatory. Maintain the current position.

Go Self explanatory. Used to tell the driver to move off at a control stop or when the solar car has to pull onto the road from the side.

Stop Self explanatory. Usually only used when the solar car is moving slowly having pulled off the road for a pit stop, driver change or control stop.

Position left/right While driving along, these commands are used to tell the solar car driver where they should be positioning themselves on the road. This will happen a lot when you first start driving because you are used to sitting to the right when driving rather than in the centre. Also can be used to position the solar car to one or other side of the lane to avoid a hazard.

Zero pot Used to tell the driver to coast, i.e. the throttle pot is set to zero.

Brake / Slow down Self explanatory. Usually used when the solar car is following another vehicle too closely, especially if that vehicle has pulled in between Lead and the solar car, or when approaching a turnoff.

Negative / Affirmative Used to answer yes or no questions.

Disregard Ignore the previous message

Solarcar Instructions

Speeds/numbers All speeds and other numbers should be read first as the number, then each digit of that number, e.g. ninety, nine-zero

Target speed This is the speed which the solar car driver should try to maintain as close as possible to.

Speed limit The speed limit. Usually used when driving through towns and the speed limit is lower than the current target speed.

Current limit Usually used when the battery is low or when climbing hills to avoid battery damage. A limit on the battery current will be placed which should not be exceeded. There may also be a conditional current limit, to avoid the solar car going too slowly up hills.

Clear to merge left/right When the solar car needs to merge with traffic or change lanes (e.g. when overtaking). Chase will have already moved into the lane to protect the solar car from traffic.

Solarcar Warnings

Advisory speed Usually used at corners or winding roads or other similar hazards where an advisory speed has been posted on signs.

Road kill/other hazard left/right/centre of lane If there is roadkill or some form of debris on the road, then this should be noted along with its position in the lane. If it is not in the lane which the solar car is driving in then it shouldn't be announced.

Caution: hazard There is a large number of potential hazards for the solar car which should be announced this way. It is particularly important that these be announced if on a corner or if there is a significant chance that they will knock the solar car off course. These include potholes, gravel (especially important on corners), bumpy road, road narrows, dip, hump, railway crossing, etc. Anything which is posted on yellow diamond road signs should be announced.

Traffic merging on left/right Warns the solar car to be aware of traffic on the left or right which will be merging into the lane which the solar car is in, particularly at freeway on-ramps

Oncoming road train/semi trailer/wide load Warns of an approaching vehicle which the solar car driver should be aware of. Usually these vehicles don't pose a problem to driving. For less experienced drivers this may be extended to smaller vehicles.

Overtaking road train/semi trailer/wide load As above, to warn of large vehicles overtaking the solar car.

Official Overtaking Procedure used by UNSW Solar car team

Any time the solar car is on the road

Lead to notify Chase as soon as they notice they’re catching up to a vehicle in front, and what kind of vehicle.

Chase to slow fleet to other vehicle’s speed, before the solar car gets within 200m of vehicle

Overtaking Any Traffic (general or solar car teams)

  1. Lead to notify Chase of slow vehicle, and estimate of speed
  2. Chase notify fleet whether we will overtake or not.

If NOT overtaking:

  1. Chase to confirm target speed
  2. Lead to notify any significant change in speed/position of the car. (eg it slows or pulls over etc)

If overtaking general traffic:

  1. Chase to ask lead if it is safe for them to overtake.

If it is safe:

  1. Chase to ask Trailer to call ALL oncoming traffic
  2. Chase to notify lead to ‘overtake when ready’
  3. Lead to notify fleet when they start overtaking, and when they have finished overtaking. Lead to notify Chase when there is enough room between them and the vehicle for solar car to safely overtake.
  4. Chase to ask lead to call traffic.
  5. Lead to notify Chase whether they can see far enough ahead to safely call traffic.
  6. Trailer to continue to call all traffic.
  7. Chase to notify when solar car is to start overtaking. Chase will specify solar car’s overtaking speed
  8. Chase to overtake with solar car.
  9. Chase to notify fleet when solar car is safe
  10. Chase to notify trailer whether they will have help overtaking or not.
  11. Trailer to overtake when safe.

If overtaking another solar car team

  1. Lead to notify Chase that fleet is approaching another team. If possible give an indication of whether they are travelling in a convoy or not.
  2. Lead to notify fleet of team name and CB channel, and estimate of fleet speed as soon as possible
  3. Chase will do all talking to the other team until solar car has safely overtaken.
  4. Chase Change to team’s CB channel. WAIT 15-20 seconds, to make sure channel is clear (ie other team isn’t calling an emergency etc)
  5. Chase to make contact. Introduce our team, find target speed of other team, tell them our target speed, ASK PERMISSION to overtake.
  6. Chase to notify lead when we have permission to overtake.
  7. Chase to notify other team our lead vehicle will be overtaking shortly
  8. FLEET to follow same overtaking procedure as general traffic, for each vehicle in the other team’s fleet.
  9. Chase to notify other team when solar car and Chase are about to overtake
  10. Chase to let other team know when solar car is safe, and that our trailer will be coming through, and will talk directly to them
  11. Chase to thank other team, wish them luck, See you in Adelaide.
  12. Trailer to contact other team, and organise overtaking.
New call: Like ‘Fleet, Radio Check’. The call ‘Fleet, Traffic Check’ will operate the same, with lead to call the traffic situation in front, followed by trailer calling the traffic from behind.
   
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