Having a lot of experience including most of the other drivers, driving our campers around the uk. Now that we have a bit more freedom with the virus on the back foot, I have just come back from a week in the highlands & found an increasing number of incompetent camper/ Motorhome drivers who seem to have jumped out of the family car & off with the hired camper. Especially the guy I met on a single track road, who did not know about the use of passing places + could not use his mirrors to reverse, I must admit, it was a laugh to watch. When is the DVLA going to make it compulsory for drivers to have a certificate to show that they are capable of being in control of their vehicle. Also Camper/Motorhome hire company’s should also be held responsible as well. Rant over
I totally agree, hire companies need to inform individuals of the proper etiquette when driving in the highlands. Caravan and motorhome owners need take note as this applies to driving on single carriageways and single track roads:
Not everyone is on holiday, so try to travel outside of morning /afternoon commute - local people need to get to work too
Study the map before you set off so that you are aware of single track roads gradients and bends (obvious)
DO NOT drive your caravan or motorhome at night on a single track road
DO NOT drive in convoy on single track roads as this renders passing places useless
Keep your distance - a minimum of 2 passing places between vehicles on tricky roads will allow for an overshoot
Give way to vehicles coming uphill (see highway code)
Give way to larger vehicles such as buses and lorries who can't fit into passing places
Slow down and use your horn on blind corners (and turn the radio down)
Use your mirrors and let drivers BEHIND you pass at the earliest opportunity i.e. if there are vehicles behind you then pull the Fiat over!
Remember that selfish driving can cause frustration for other motorists which in turn will cause accidents
Mind you, I've met a few ignorant highland folk myself
Happy travels