rambo19:
TBH, HATO’s are dammed if they do, dammed if they don’t.
If HATO had of closed the inside lane to help with recovery, how many on here would be moaning about a lane closure just to recover a broken down vehcile?
In which case what actually probably would have happened is that all the ‘zip mergers’ would then have driven right up to the cones and then tried to change lanes at the last second because it’s too difficult for them to look more than a few feet in front of their noses and make a lane change in sufficient time to either not run into the cones or cause a zb great big traffic jam because they’ve had to slow to a crawl before they run out of road.
The Sarge:
Already has, which is why I’ve got an ever increasing ignore list thanks to insulting [zb] on here.
But you also never answered that question about moving over into lane 2 ‘just in case’ and there was’nt anything insulting about that.
Have you thought he might not have seen the question due to his ignore list?
Don’t think I was on his ignore list when I asked the question but would’nt be surprised because it would’nt be the first time that no one wants to hear the voice of reason.
You’re on your way to Spain (other countries are available) with an urgent load, timed delivery.
Already booked on the ferry & have arranged to meet up with a friend you haven’t seen for ages onboard.
On the UK m/way you suffer an O/S blow out on the trailer. You phone your tyre co. who attend promptly.
Fitter then refuses to work until HATO attend to implement a lane closure.
You or he contact HATO control only to be told there is no patrol available for several hours as they are all ■■■■■■■ sitting behind empty cars on the hard shoulder awaiting the arrival of recovery from ■■ miles away.
Driveroneuk:
Lets look at it from a different angle:
You’re on your way to Spain (other countries are available) with an urgent load, timed delivery.
Already booked on the ferry & have arranged to meet up with a friend you haven’t seen for ages onboard.
On the UK m/way you suffer an O/S blow out on the trailer. You phone your tyre co. who attend promptly.
Fitter then refuses to work until HATO attend to implement a lane closure.
You or he contact HATO control only to be told there is no patrol available for several hours as they are all ■■■■■■■ sitting behind empty cars on the hard shoulder awaiting the arrival of recovery from ■■ miles away.
How do you feel now?
Or you’re that tyre fitter and decided to just get on with it.It’s 3 am blowing a gale and raining.Suddenly you lose your grip on the air gun and lose your footing at the same time just as someone is going past with an artic.Luckily it’s me driving it and I’m in lane 2 having changed lanes when I saw the wagon on the hard shoulder ages ago.
Are all the people screaming it’s the hato fault for leaving the scene the ones that moan like ■■■■ that there a 5 mile queue because of a breakdown on the otherside and a jeep with flashing lights so the rubber neckers have a field day?
Maybe leaving the scene was a mistake but on the day on question the roads where a mess so the best use of Hato. Resources must have been to patrol the motorway looking for motorists in real distress.
It was a accident caused by a car driver not hato.
Sarge, before you put me on ignore. My comment about digging wasn’t directed at you, but the new newspaper article.
From that same article. I glean that the police turned up, it was they who advised the motorist to stand behind the barrier, not HATO.
Someone else touched on it, but in normal circumstances I agree there is no need for a HATO vehicle, these were not normal circumstances, a car had already spun off and hit the barrier because of ice. It is a very busy stretch of motorway near Sale.
I used to be all for the HATOs but with every story I here I’m starting to think that they are indeed pointless.
If I had a wife and kids that broke down I would want them there but it just seems with this story and many others all they do is chuck a high vis at them and promptly ■■■■ off…to do what by the way There looking for incidents yes, but when they find them they ■■■■ off to look for the next one to do the same thing
And yes it would make a difference if coppers were there, blue lights are more of an incentive to slow down than yellow lights. Especially for the conditions at the time.
When a recovery driver arrives on scene, the first thing that is done is a risk assessment. I normally do this as I drive towards the scene of the incident.
If Police or Hato are there, giving a fend off, then the job “could be safer” than without them there. If they decide to drive away while I am still recovering the incident, then the "risk assessment " done at the start is no longer valid.
If a new “risk assessment” deems the job “dangerous” without them there, then I have the power to tell the Police or Hato to stay where they are. IF they refuse to do so, and insist on driving off, then I have the right to drive away myself, leaving the stranded vehicle where it is.
Police and Hato are not supposed to change wheels on cars, not even their own. because if something else happens to the vehicle, wheel comes off etc, further down the road, GUESS who will be in the soft brown stuff. Quite a few of them will change the wheel, but at a risk.
When you read all the various newspaper articles posted relevant to this slowly, and take in all the other information that is there, you get this:…
The original vehicle had been in a minor RTC, police & HATO attended, there were no issues with the vehicle or driver for the police patrol to worry about so he left the scene leaving the HATO to make sure the driver had recovery organised. If the car had been a major distraction to other road users (ie smashed up, and an item for all the rubber-neckers) then the HATO would have had it statutory removed, for this they need to stay on scene (unless a live lane incident comes in and they’re closest) but the driver / insurance would have a bill to pay.
They obviously did not deem this necessary, and once the driver had contacted his own recovery, they left, after giving him a space blanket or waterproof cape, and reminding him of the safety advice, which he wisely took on board.
The recovery would have been at least 1 hour, possibly longer due to the number of calls.
Meanwhile, 100’s of motorists negotiated that stretch of road and pass the broken down vehicle without a problem.
The recovery driver arrives in his truck with a cab full of flashing lights, the vehicle is on the H/S just like any other normal broken down vehicle. He lowers the back of the truck, either drives or winches the striken vehicle onto the back, then starts to strap it down. As he goes to the outside of the truck, he’s hit by the Golf that’s gone out of control.
The recovery driver is now prone on the tarmac, other drivers have the time, space & grip to take avoiding action and drive around him (morons!) The lady has time to stop her car prior to the scene, get out and offer assistance (well done girl)
The only person at fault here is the Golf driver for loosing control. I don’t know why he did, it could be a multitude of reasons, but 100’s of other drivers managed OK, and some even took avoiding action.
My condolences go to the recovery drivers family, my praise goes to the lady driver (off duty nurse I believe) my contempt goes to the morons who ignore a person that requires urgent assistance and drive around him.
Wheel Nut:
Sarge, before you put me on ignore. My comment about digging wasn’t directed at you, but the new newspaper article.
From that same article. I glean that the police turned up, it was they who advised the motorist to stand behind the barrier, not HATO.
Someone else touched on it, but in normal circumstances I agree there is no need for a HATO vehicle, these were not normal circumstances, a car had already spun off and hit the barrier because of ice. It is a very busy stretch of motorway near Sale.
The real Biffo:
When you read all the various newspaper articles posted relevant to this slowly, and take in all the other information that is there, you get this:…
The original vehicle had been in a minor RTC, police & HATO attended, there were no issues with the vehicle or driver for the police patrol to worry about so he left the scene leaving the HATO to make sure the driver had recovery organised. If the car had been a major distraction to other road users (ie smashed up, and an item for all the rubber-neckers) then the HATO would have had it statutory removed, for this they need to stay on scene (unless a live lane incident comes in and they’re closest) but the driver / insurance would have a bill to pay.
They obviously did not deem this necessary, and once the driver had contacted his own recovery, they left, after giving him a space blanket or waterproof cape, and reminding him of the safety advice, which he wisely took on board.
The recovery would have been at least 1 hour, possibly longer due to the number of calls.
Meanwhile, 100’s of motorists negotiated that stretch of road and pass the broken down vehicle without a problem.
The recovery driver arrives in his truck with a cab full of flashing lights, the vehicle is on the H/S just like any other normal broken down vehicle. He lowers the back of the truck, either drives or winches the striken vehicle onto the back, then starts to strap it down. As he goes to the outside of the truck, he’s hit by the Golf that’s gone out of control.
The recovery driver is now prone on the tarmac, other drivers have the time, space & grip to take avoiding action and drive around him (morons!) The lady has time to stop her car prior to the scene, get out and offer assistance (well done girl)
The only person at fault here is the Golf driver for loosing control. I don’t know why he did, it could be a multitude of reasons, but 100’s of other drivers managed OK, and some even took avoiding action.
My condolences go to the recovery drivers family, my praise goes to the lady driver (off duty nurse I believe) my contempt goes to the morons who ignore a person that requires urgent assistance and drive around him.
what he said.
if a car crashes into to a recovery truck with its beacons on because it didn’t see it, then it would of crashed into it if there had been a hato behind with beacons on. if a car crashes into it because it was sliding out of control then the hato wouldn’t of made a difference then either.
my dad used to work for the AA and it was policy not to strap the o/s on the h/s and to get in and out of the passenger side of the vehicle.
nah just hang draw all concerned and be done with it . les not just crucify one person, lets crucify everybody. unless!!!
You was at the scene
You took control
You behaved in an extremely correct manner
or
You new to job and your just human
why o why are you having a go at everyone involved.
Some one lost their life.some women will be without her man,some kids (maybe) will be without their dad!!! and all you can say is HATO should have stayed.
Noooooooooooooo it’s life ,it happens sadly. but you can’t blame anyone cept car driver and even he/she didn’t want toll kill him on purpose.
Idont codone what happened and the loss occured but please don’t judge till ALL facts are avialable unless your mystic meg,
The real Biffo:
When you read all the various newspaper articles posted relevant to this slowly, and take in all the other information that is there, you get this:…
The original vehicle had been in a minor RTC, police & HATO attended, there were no issues with the vehicle or driver for the police patrol to worry about so he left the scene leaving the HATO to make sure the driver had recovery organised. If the car had been a major distraction to other road users (ie smashed up, and an item for all the rubber-neckers) then the HATO would have had it statutory removed, for this they need to stay on scene (unless a live lane incident comes in and they’re closest) but the driver / insurance would have a bill to pay.
They obviously did not deem this necessary, and once the driver had contacted his own recovery, they left, after giving him a space blanket or waterproof cape, and reminding him of the safety advice, which he wisely took on board.
The recovery would have been at least 1 hour, possibly longer due to the number of calls.
Meanwhile, 100’s of motorists negotiated that stretch of road and pass the broken down vehicle without a problem.
The recovery driver arrives in his truck with a cab full of flashing lights, the vehicle is on the H/S just like any other normal broken down vehicle. He lowers the back of the truck, either drives or winches the striken vehicle onto the back, then starts to strap it down. As he goes to the outside of the truck, he’s hit by the Golf that’s gone out of control.
The recovery driver is now prone on the tarmac, other drivers have the time, space & grip to take avoiding action and drive around him (morons!) The lady has time to stop her car prior to the scene, get out and offer assistance (well done girl)
The only person at fault here is the Golf driver for loosing control. I don’t know why he did, it could be a multitude of reasons, but 100’s of other drivers managed OK, and some even took avoiding action.
My condolences go to the recovery drivers family, my praise goes to the lady driver (off duty nurse I believe) my contempt goes to the morons who ignore a person that requires urgent assistance and drive around him.
That just about sums it up
No matter how many ‘what ifs’ you prepare for, there will always be something that can make it all go wrong, condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, but unless we all live in a locked room with bubble wrapped walls, poop will happen from time to time
We all often read of death on the road, to be honest since transportation of goods /people started it has happened, whilst i despair at times the reasons that has caused a tragedy and do feel for those left behind, how can anyone say and i quote " r i p,/ condolences to the families etc etc without out knowing those involved.
To me it tends to sound like “your saying the right words but not actually losing sleep/suffering over the incident”
I am not meaning or wishing to “have a go” if thats the way you feel but then 3 minutes later some people are posting in the fun section (no i will not explain) so no sleep lost there.
Genuinely we all as lorry drivers know and understand the risks of our chosen profession and i have lost a few good mates along the way but as in the rest of the world our "rip/condolences does not mean anything to the family of a stranger we do not know.
we would be better thought of/appreciated if we all drove/acted like the pro’s we profess to be and hopefully the lowly non hgv drivers will reciprocate.
as said i am not having a prod at anyone so don’t fire the rocket.
not interested in abuse for the post just honest thoughts and observations.
I doubt anybody who isn’t closely involved is crying their eyes out over this, needless accidents happen every day, the last time I was driving in the UK I was amazed at how there isn’t one big accident from Land’s End to John O’Groats, such is the state of driving, especially amongst those who should know better (professional drivers, like lorry drivers )
However a RIP or the offer of condolences is just being polite and it’s a decent thing to do, maybe if people’s attitude towards politeness wasn’t similar to yours then they would behave a little bit better out on the roads and there would be less need for RIPs and condolences
"However a RIP or the offer of condolences is just being polite and it’s a decent thing to do, maybe if people’s attitude towards politeness wasn’t similar to yours then they would behave a little bit better out on the roads and there would be less need for RIPs and condolences "
Not wanting to start a slanging match with you cos you do post good stuff but i disagree with your comment.
I am polite,i do try to drive in a professional manner and have done so for the last 42 years .
I do feel for other peoples loss but unless i know them or their family/friends then i do not feel the need to “be polite and say those words” although if a hearse passes me and its occupied i do bow my head (if im walking) as a mark of respect.i open doors for ladies/i say please and thank you and i will offer my seat to a female so please without knowing me do not say i am not polite.
There looking for incidents yes, but when they find them they ■■■■ off to look for the next one to do the same thing 
