These photos show the piece of retread Tyre I hit on the night of
the 10th May 2010. It was just after 10pm and I collided with the
truck retread at 100kph. It was directly across the lane and very
hard to see as it was black on black and just after a bend.
The front of the car became airborn for a moment.

After the collision, I fish tailed but mananaged to regain control.
The car suffered heavy grill damage and a leak from the radiator.

It will cost me an insurance claim and excess is $600.

There was a broken down B-double coal truck further up the road that night so
I rang Illawarra coal but their PR lady, Roxanne, said "not our fault...
I'll ring the coal Bulk Trans Trucking company and Scott will talk to you".

Scott said "it couldn't be one of his truck as they don't use retreads",
but then he said "he couldn't say the same for his contractors trucks he uses".

I am not impressed. I could have been a fatality.
I have have had a windscreen replaced after a lump of coal hit it.
I have passed and seen the results of three fatalities on this road.
There are numerous "crosses" on the trees.
Appin road was completely closed the next day due to a another fatality as well,
and I counted at least three other large pieces of retread on the side of the road.

Be warned - Appin road is a VERY DANGEROUS road, drive slower to avoid the hazards
and don't let the trucks get the better of your driving. Don't let them intimidate you.
Is five minutes extra travel time worth your life - I think so.