Road Safety

In Australia, less than a third of the population lives in regional and remote areas, yet nearly two-thirds of all fatal road crashes happen on rural and remote roads.

Driving in these areas requires extra focus due to long distances, high-speed limits, and unpredictable conditions. If the conditions change, remember to slow down.

Driving in varied conditions

Travelling in rural and remote areas may mean that you are traveling on gravel, sand or dirt roads.

This comes with its own challenges, particularly across different weather conditions.

Different weather conditions mean that drivers are to take precautions on rural and remote roads.

Wet weather can result in changing road condition, turning them muddy, slippery or boggy.

Dry weather can result in heavy dust, reducing visibility.

When driving on gravel, sand or dirt roads it’s important to reduce speed, leave extra distance between you and other vehicles and driving to the conditions.

When driving on wet roads, take extra care as surfaces can become slippery, and road edges may be less stable.

Here are some tips for driving safely in wet weather:

• Ensure your windscreen and lights are clean for maximum visibility.
• Use low beam headlights, as they are more effective in foggy conditions.
• Turn on your fog lights if visibility is poor and it’s hard to see other vehicles or obstacles.
• Use your air-conditioner or demister to prevent your windscreen from fogging up.
• Reduce your speed to allow more time to react to hazards.
• Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, or rapid acceleration to minimise the risk of skidding.
• Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front to give yourself more time to stop.

If the weather becomes too severe, pull over in a safe location and take a break.

If its flooded, forget it.  It is an offence to drive in floodwaters, and it is impossible to predict floodwaters or road conditions beneath the service

Dust can significantly reduce visibility, so it’s important to take precautions:

• Avoid overtaking other vehicles in dusty conditions.
• If visibility is poor, pull over safely, stop, and wait until it improves.
• Turn on your headlights to ensure other drivers can see you.
• Set your air conditioning to recirculate to prevent dust from entering your vehicle.

 

Avoid Driving While Fatigued 

Travelling long distances through the vast and often monotonous outback can lead to driver fatigue. To stay safe, make sure to take a break every two hours and remain alert for any signs of tiredness, such as:

• Wandering within your lane or crossing lane markings.
• Inconsistent speeds without any clear reason.
• Frequent yawning or excessive blinking.
• Your eyes momentarily closing or losing focus.
• Feeling drowsy, weary, or fatigued.
• Struggling to keep your head upright.
• Forgetting the last few minutes of your journey.
• Experiencing delayed reaction times.
• Briefly falling asleep, also known as ‘microsleeps.’

 

Coexisting with Wildlife and Livestock on the Road

Animals, especially kangaroos, are often more active during dawn and dusk. If you come across wildlife on the road, avoid swerving to dodge them, as this could lead to losing control of your vehicle. Instead, reduce your speed gradually, apply the brakes gently, and use your horn to encourage the animal to move away.

Livestock such as cattle and sheep may sometimes block the road and observe as you approach. In such cases, remain calm and patient. Stop your vehicle and use your horn to prompt them to clear the way. They will typically move off the road shortly.

Consider the Time of Day When Driving

Ensure your headlights are switched on from sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is poor. This is important not only for your ability to see the road but also to ensure other drivers can see your vehicle.

If you're travelling west in the afternoon, be mindful that the sun can impact your vision from around 4pm. When the sun is low on the horizon, it can make it harder to see clearly, which increases the risk of missing oncoming vehicles or wildlife.

At night, remember that many rural and remote roads lack street lighting. If you're using high beams, make sure to dip them when you are within 200 metres of an approaching vehicle. Bright lights can temporarily blind other drivers, potentially causing them to lose control or struggle to see the road ahead.