ROAD CONDITIONS (also see Simpson Desert Regional info)
Do not drive on any closed road!!!! heavy fines apply..
Always remember to engage 4X4 before getting into difficult areas.Some vehicles with auto front hubs can't engage 4X4 unless they are moving, thus leaving you bogged in 2 wheel drive . Remember it's not just embarrassing; it's expensive to be recovered if you are on your own. It's advisable to leave the vehicle in 4X4 when the track surface gets a bit slippery, or even when it's dry. This won't damage the 4wd system, and will improve your control in corners and actually lessen your fuel use.
If you think it may have been raining in the region you're heading into, stop and ask for track conditions and accessibility as early as you can, or give us a call. This may save unnecessary road damage or the inconvenience of having to turn around and go back.
These websites below will have info about official road closures and conditions.
https://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads
https://roadreport.nt.gov.au/home
HOW FAST SHOULD I DRIVE
Most accidents are caused by speed.
Many people drive far too fast, either for the conditions or their ability. Gravel or sandy tracks do not have the same grip as bitumen, so braking distances are longer and control in corners is decreased.
You should drive at a speed at which you and your passengers are comfortable. If you are sliding around corners or being jolted by a dip in the road, slow down. You may not think that driving in 4x4 is necessary, but it will give you more control on a slippery corner.
Over the years, we have recovered lots of vehicles and had to get the RFDS into Mt Dare to evacuate injured peoople due to accidents caused by speed.
OVERTAKING
Another common sight is to see vehicles with a broken wind screen or side glass, this is caused either by an overtaking, or on coming vehicle. This can be avoided by slowing down a little, to say 40 - 50 km/h, or slower depending on the width of the road. We all get upset if another vehicle "throws" stones at us, when slowing down could have avoided it. Remember this the next time you're passing on-comming traffic.
If you are about to overtake someone stay out wide - right out of the dust, where you have good vision of the road ahead and approach slowly until the vehicle in front has seen you.It's a good idea to use your lights. If a car is passing you,slow down, so when they pass, you are traveling as a much slower speed. This will reduce the amount of dust you make and avoid the stone chips and wind screen damage.
Everyone is on holiday, slow down and enjoy yourself so you can have another.
CAMPSITES
When driving around caravan parks you will see signs saying "SLOW, WALKING PACE" or similar. Everyone knows why, so when you are in a camping area like Dalhousie or Mt Dare or passing campers on a bush track, just remember that there doesn't need to be a sign to tell you what should be common sense..Children and dogs don't have much road sense,and reducing dust is just a common courtesy.
DRIVING IN CONVOY
When driving in a group it's a good idea to have UHF radio communication between vehicles. It can be used for warning each other about an oncoming vehicle so you can slow down, or to advise on the status of a gate, whether to shut it or leave it open (gates must always be left how they are found).
Always leave plenty of room between vehicles to give you clear vision of the road ahead; so you aren't traveling in each others dust. If you stop for nature don't try to "catch up" or you'll put yourself at risk by driving too fast, if anyone is concerned about being separated everyone should stop and you can all stretch your legs and stay together.
