 On the road with wide loads. When driving in Makai or surrounding districts, there's a strong possibility you'll be confronted by a wide load. A high proportion of wide loads are large machinery, mining components, agricultural equipment or buildings. The loads can be up to 9.5 metres wide, taking up the majority of the road, or may need to travel in the middle of the road due to height restrictions. It's your responsibility to keep clear of a wide load, so care must be taken when approaching from the front or rear of a wide load vehicle or escort vehicle. Wide loads can often weigh hundreds of tonnes and it's impossible for them to stop suddenly, so please give them right away. If you're following a wide load, be patient and do not overtake unless directed to do so. Often, wide loads are accompanied by a pilot escort vehicle or police vehicles, travelling at the front and rear of the wide load. The escort vehicles are there to help direct traffic around the load and ensure that the wide load travels to its destination safely. The escort vehicle has limited time and distance to deal with oncoming traffic and if you're travelling at high speed, you'll have little time to get out of the way or find a safe place to pull over. Your speed can be a major factor. You need to ensure that you're travelling at the speed limit to give yourself time to take appropriate action to move your vehicle from the roadway if necessary. All pilot vehicles are equipped with flashing lights and a sign saying oversize load ahead. If there's a single pilot vehicle, the wide load approaching you is between 3.5 metres and 4.5 metres wide. For big loads over 4.5 metres wide, you'll see multiple pilot vehicles as well as police escort vehicles. The police escort vehicles will direct you to stop by the roadside until the load passes safely. When you first see the pilot vehicle, don't panic. Just simply slow down and prepare to move over or stop if necessary in a safe area. When the police escort reaches you, if you have not already moved from the roadway, you will be directed to do so. And failing to comply with that direction is an offence for which you can be charged. So it's in your best interest to move immediately from the roadway as soon as you see the police escort vehicle approaching you. If you're not directed to stop, then you can continue to drive slowly until the wide load passes. By law, escort vehicle operators are permitted to direct motorists in order to prevent injury or property damage. Please follow all instructions for the welfare of yourself and others. When an operator asks you to stop or slow down or waves you off the road, you must follow their instructions. Wide loads can be an inconvenience, but with a little patience, you can reach your destination safely. Pilot vehicles and police escorts are there for your safety. So please take appropriate action when approaching a wide load.