Consider these tips when driving in the outback, especially on dirt roads to make your trip more comfortable and safe.
- Plan the route
- Carry plenty of water (at least 5 litres of water per person per day)
- Carry adequate food and fuel supplies
- Advise someone of your route, destination and expected arrival time
- Don’t overinflate your tyres. Run lower pressures than you normally do. 30psi is recommended, High pressures make it easier for objects to penetrate
- Keep your maximum speed to 80km/h
- Don’t travel in a cloud of someone else’s dust – visibility is limited and there is a chance of flying debris. Stop and wait for the dust to settle.
- Pull over when fast vehicles pass due to dust and also when a truck us coming the other way
- Road trains can be over 50 meters long and 2.5 meters wide so extra care should be taken when overtaking. Allow for at least one kilometres of clear road ahead.
- It has been recommended to adjust your trailer brakes to be slightly more aggressive to improve stability and to help keep everything straight on the dirt road
- Also recommended to install trailer sway control
- If you have a breakdown do not leave the vehicle under any circumstances
- Wildlife can be a hazard to drivers, particularly around dawn and dusk
- Don’t travel on dirt roads if it has been raining, is raining or is about to rain
