Kings Highway Holiday Safety for a young driver?

Leinna said :

Pambula – Shouldn’t she be driving down Brown Mountain instead?

Yup! Monaro Hwy, turn left-ish at Cooma, keep going left, turn right at Bega. Or something like that. Make sure the girl knows how to change a tyre, knows about roos at dusk and dawn, has NRMA membership and let her go.

I’ll echo the sentiments in previous posts: take your P-plater out for a driver via the Cotter, head up Brindabella Road to Picadilly circus, and down to Tharwa. Tell the young driver that this is your test to see if they’re allowed to drive solo to the coast, that should put enough pressure on the young driver to make a mistake or two and give you ample wiggle room to say, “no” 🙂

On the other hand, I was driving the coast road during Christmas holidays on my learner’s permit, because my parents wanted me to actually learn how to drive (as opposed to learning how to steer an automatic vehicle up and down the parkway to get to work each day).

Attempting to protect your child from the realities of life is only setting them up for failure.

Overheard said :

harvyk1 said :

Tell her if she is only doing 80 km/h when not at overtaking lanes, she should not speed up to 110km/h when there is an overtaking lane. Lots of slow drivers do just that because typically overtaking lanes are big and “safe”

I’m a big fan of the ‘learn by doing’ approach and she should definitely drive out on the big, bad roads rather than logging all those hours in the back blocks and parking lots.

BUT I’m also a very strong advocate of the ‘if you can’t maintain the speed limit — or are legally not allowed to — pull over occasionally and let the traffic pass’ approach.

If you really want to see a bunch of red-veined stress-heads, toodle along at 80kmh in a single lane for an extended period in holiday traffic. This applies as much to L-platers and P-platers as it does to to grey nomads and drivers of larger vehicles. I’ve occasionally driven larger vehicles down the Clyde and it’s just common bloody courtesy to pull over when safe and let other traffic soon if you can’t muster the speed limit.

Reminds me of a line from a British sitcom: ‘The speed limit is a maximum, not something to aspire to’.

+1

Whilst the truth of the matter is that an ACT P Plater can doo the full limit in NSW (This is due to NSW having P1 and P2, the 90km limit is whitten as “All NSW P1 Drivers” which does not cover ACT P Platers) Being only a fresh P Plater, going the little bit slower might be a good idea, and yes, the jorney will be much safer and allot more pleasant if there is the occasional slip to the side to allow others past.

Also, if Your daughter (or any ACT P plater) is travelling through NSW, and has decided they would like to do the full limit, I would suggest shooting an email off to the NSW rta first, asking them to verify this. Keep the reply in the car with you, as many of the cops are not aware of this one.

I used to travel to Mittagong each weekend on my P’s, and after some time, I decided I was comfortable enough on the Hume to do 110 (I built up by doing 100 for a few weeks too) and I can say now, that email from the RTA helped me out allot (Make sure it’s from the NSW RTA, the cops dont care if it’s from the ACT)

I understand your concern. It can be a dangerous drive and there have been a few deaths including young people on those roads. But as others have said, it’s a great learning experience. Why not just go with her so she can get the experience and have you there for guidance. That way she learns and you are reassured. My first few trips in to a big city (way back when in San Francisco) my Dad came with me and I’m glad that he did. It worked out quite well and helped me build up my experience and confidence.

* and let other traffic pass *

harvyk1 said :

Tell her if she is only doing 80 km/h when not at overtaking lanes, she should not speed up to 110km/h when there is an overtaking lane. Lots of slow drivers do just that because typically overtaking lanes are big and “safe”

I’m a big fan of the ‘learn by doing’ approach and she should definitely drive out on the big, bad roads rather than logging all those hours in the back blocks and parking lots.

BUT I’m also a very strong advocate of the ‘if you can’t maintain the speed limit — or are legally not allowed to — pull over occasionally and let the traffic pass’ approach.

If you really want to see a bunch of red-veined stress-heads, toodle along at 80kmh in a single lane for an extended period in holiday traffic. This applies as much to L-platers and P-platers as it does to to grey nomads and drivers of larger vehicles. I’ve occasionally driven larger vehicles down the Clyde and it’s just common bloody courtesy to pull over when safe and let other traffic soon if you can’t muster the speed limit.

Reminds me of a line from a British sitcom: ‘The speed limit is a maximum, not something to aspire to’.

madamcholet said :

If I was going to pambula, (and I am currently sitting in merimbula, the next door suburb), I would take the monaro highway from Cooma. Much more pleasant drive and far less cars to put pressure on a new driver. Having said that, I would have big reservations if I had to make the decision.

+1

A quick Google maps check (Just using ‘Canberra to Pambula, so will vary depending on where in Canberra you start) has the drive via the Kings Highway almost 90km longer than via Brown Mountain. It’s definitely a better drive than the Kings Highway.

The other thing that you need to make sure she does, is take regular breaks. Aside from the challenging conditions, it’s likely a longer drive than she’s used to and fatigue will be a factor.

Weather conditions may also come into play. If it’s wet, not only is the slippery road an issue, but there can be heavy fog at the top of the Clyde and Brown Mountain. It might be a decision that gets made at the last minute – I can’t see why she wouldn’t be able to handle the drive herself, especially via Brown Mountain, but if it’s wet and foggy the risk increases.

she shouldn’t have been given her licence if she’s not competent to drive in most circumstances. If she’s not an idiot and a responsible type of kid, then let her.

How else will she get experience?

Hi mcmc

Where I learned to drive, we have quite a nasty little mountain pass too, Maquarie Pass, in my case, my first drive down that was with an instructor, however, due to location, I was up and down it allot, once i was on my P’s.

Having Just moved back to Canberra from Braidwood a couple of months ago, I have a fair idea of the roads out there (The Clyde took us to the nearest groceries after 5 on a weekend) and I would personally say that it depends on your trust in your daughter.

The road itself is not that bad, and in parts very good, and provided you drive responsibly, it is generally quite safe. Yes, there is the concern of other drivers misbehaving, especially at this time of year, however, considering the roads condition, I would personally feel a responsible driver, even at 17 would be OK to go down on their own.

However, as I said, this depends on how much you trust your daughters driving, IE, how sure are you that she will be driving responsibly once you are out of sight (not an accusation mind you)

I would suggest, if you are as concerned as you seem, you go along, but let her drive, having you there will help make sure she drives responsibly, and provide some advice for the particulars of the road, but letting her take the wheel will help her gain valuable experience, which in turn will help her become a better driver.

If she’s going to Pambula wouldn’t she be going down the Brown Mountain?

Either way +1 to everything said above.

If I was going to pambula, (and I am currently sitting in merimbula, the next door suburb), I would take the monaro highway from Cooma. Much more pleasant drive and far less cars to put pressure on a new driver. Having said that, I would have big reservations if I had to make the decision.

I’m with the others (although I might be like you when it’s my daughter wanting to do the trip).
I first did the trip down the kings when I was your daughters age, and over Christmas. The big risk would come from friends in the car egging her on. So make sure any friends going with her won’t pressure her into driving faster than she feels comfortable with (especially around corners).

Also tell her not to be pressured into driving faster than she wants because the guy behind is impatient. There are quite a few overtaking area’s along the highway, and provided she doesn’t speed up in them most people won’t care.

Tell her if she is only doing 80 km/h when not at overtaking lanes, she should not speed up to 110km/h when there is an overtaking lane. Lots of slow drivers do just that because typically overtaking lanes are big and “safe”

I recommend you let her drive down and back so she does actually learn. If you do it she will never understand.

I also recommend you go down there with her beforehand, but let her drive down and back in her car. In her car is the important part as you will be able to see if there are any issues with the car. If you are not able to go that far before the big day, I would take her for a few drives from Gordon to Weston via Cotter. That will give her some idea of how to handle winding roads adn there are some surprising off camber cresting bends that throw you off if you are not paying attention.

The last thing I would recommend is make sure her car is safe. I will reapeat that, make sure her car is safe! Check the tyres, brakes, fluids, clutch (if applicable) and make sure it is driving okay. A sensible new p-plater in a well maintained car is not going to have any issues, a sensible new p-plater in a sh1theap that has brakes that overheat on the way down and lose their efficiency or the engine overheats on the way up and they have no idea what to do can be a disaster. Pay particular attention to the tyres, don’t buy the $30 chinese special deal at Kmart Tyres. In the wet, on that mountain, a good set of tyres can keep you out of the barriers, even at low speeds.

I grew up on the South Coast, so I have done more than my fair share of mountain driving in that area.

I well-remember going through the same angst when young Derefette took off on her first drive along the Kings Highway (better called the Kings Goat Track). It was a daunting experience for Mrs Deref and me. One piece of advice we gave her was not to be intimidated by the tailgating morons into driving faster than she knew was sensible. She made it.

I think I’ll get in some premature worry for when my daughter is old enough for all this. You can never start too soon.

Seriously though, if she’s competent, let her try it on her own. Many people would be more nervous with Mum or Dad in the car, watching everything they did.

Classified said :

I drove the King’s Hwy when I was 17, and had no problems. I’d been taught to drive on mountains, though (techniques such as using the same gear to go down a slope that you would to go up), and was also taught to get the hell out of the way of other vehicles doing the wrong thing.

Do the drive with her, but let her do the driving. Take your time, enjoy it. Despite its reputation, the Kings Hwy isn’t really that bad.

+1

As a 17 yr old I made regular trips down the coast – but the first two were with my Dad as ‘instructor’. Gave him a bit of reassurance once he knew I knew what to do out on the open road.

It’s just like a lot of the safety adds we see, and the questions I’d consider are. Will there be a car load of distracting idiots with her, or some supportive friends. Do her relatives drive responsibly and give a good example, or do they drive like maniacs. Will they travel during the day, or late at night. Will her friends pressure her into driving them even if she has had a drink, or will they make better plans.

Pambula – Shouldn’t she be driving down Brown Mountain instead?

And the number 1 rule for mountain driving:

Don’t be afraid to slow down.

Just because the arsehole in the commodore behind you has driven the road a thousand times doesn’t mean Mark Webber on his first meeting with the road would be going any faster than you.

Arsehole can wait for the overtaking lane.

Number 2 rule is you never know what’s coming around the corner the other way.

+2 for Johnboy. Coddling someone will teach them nothing.

I’m also in mcmc’s shoes…I’m the Mum of a newly minted p-plater and I can forsee this being an issue during the holidays. When my son was around the 100 hour level as an L, we drove to Batemans Bay a couple of times. This was in the middle of the day, limited traffic etc. It did not stop the idiots (mainly older men) driving on his tail abusing him and dangerously overtaking.

She needs to get experience but I’m with JB on this one. Do a road trip together and share the driving.

I understand your concern, but did you take her to practice on these kinds of roads when she was on her L plates? My parents made sure I experienced challenging driving conditions on my Ls so that they felt confident that I had some experience in these kinds of conditions and hence they didn’t place any restrictions on me when I had my Ps. If you didn’t get a chance when she was on her Ls, then maybe do some practice now? I don’t think you should drive her… maybe drive with her if you are worried, as a passenger. She needs the experience!

You sound a bit fatalistic that your daughter doesn’t have the skills or sensibilities to drive safely on a challenging road…. is your daughter particularly irresponsible? Will she be travelling alone or with a carload of distracting friends? How much driving experience does she have (I’m from NSW with all the mandatory driving hours for L platers, I know the ACT rules are much more lenient)?

+1 for johnboy

I drove the King’s Hwy when I was 17, and had no problems. I’d been taught to drive on mountains, though (techniques such as using the same gear to go down a slope that you would to go up), and was also taught to get the hell out of the way of other vehicles doing the wrong thing.

Do the drive with her, but let her do the driving. Take your time, enjoy it. Despite its reputation, the Kings Hwy isn’t really that bad.

No one ever learned how to really drive pottering through regulated traffic lanes in Canberra, driving winding roads yourself is really the only way.

Assuming she’s not an idiot I’d say she’d be OK if she’s going to be alone in the car, but if it’s going to be full of friends then the risk factors are starting to multiply.

If you’ve got the time between now and then maybe a better compromise is to do a road trip with her and share the driving before the big weekend?

I’m just wondering if “you’re not capable, give me the wheel” is the message you want to be sending at 17 rather than “let’s do something together while you build your skill”?