DRIVING TIPS - It's better to arrive alive than dead on time
Supporting Australian Flora and Fauna
In this section you will find general driving tips for times when you will be in areas where animals live and below that is an area dedicated to the driving conditions of each state and territory.
Driving Amongst Our Wildlife and Night Driving
Whenever possible, do not drive at night outside of town and major cities. A lot of Australian Wildlife comes out at night - expecially kangaroo's. Kangaroo's move around more at night than they do in the day. Dawn and Dusk are the times to really be on the lookout.
During the drought in Australia, animals are known to wander into towns looking for food and water, so be on the lookout at all times. In the small town that I live near, we are now coming across a mob of kangaroo's almost near the centre of the town, looking for food and water.
The animals that are more common on the Australian roads are kangaroo's, echidna's and wallabies. Other animals that you might come across are emu's, eagles and other bird life, wandering cattle, camels and brumbies ( wild horses ).
In the outback, be especially careful of wandering stock that move onto the roads at night to sleep. The outback can get very cold at night time and the roads are still warm of a night, so the cattle move to the warm roads to sleep.
I personally think that one of the best things about driving in the country is seeing the wildlife along the way.
Literally thousands of animals get injured and killed every year on Australia's roads.
Tips on How To Avoid a Collision with Wildlife
Avoid Dawn and Dusk
Try to avoid driving at dawn and dusk and for the first couple of hours after it gets dark where animals live as this is when the animals move around a lot more to feed.
Be Alert!
Be Alert in any areas that may have wildlife or are sign posted that animals are in the area, such as open country roads and national parks. During times of drought, animals do wander into towns as well, looking for food and water.
Keep an eye open always.
Slow Down
When you drive slower in poor visibility or where animals wander, will give you a better chance of avoiding a collision with an animal.
High Beam
Whenever you can when driving, use your high beam lights so that you can see the sides of the roads better and further down the road at night. Be aware, that animals can be dazzled by bright lights and may not move off the road. Dip your headlights and if possible, sound your car horn and they will move off the road.
Your Own Safety
Your Own Safety should always come first. When you come across an animal in the path of your vehicle, your natural instinct may be to swerve to miss hitting it. But, this can put you, your passengers and other motorists in danger. Always keep full control of your car, unfortunately, sometimes it might not be possible to miss and animal.
Animals Need Time
Animals can often be very unpredictable. Whenever possible, brake gently and give them time to move off the road. Always keep an eye out for more animals. With kangaroo's, where there is one, often there is more. Always when passing an animal, be aware that they may come back across the path of your vehicle and that there maybe other animals.
Injured Animals
Often on the roads where animals are present, signs are put up with phone numbers to call for help if wildlife are injured. When you come across these signs, put the details into your mobile phone, you may just need them one day, or another motorist might.
Litter
Don't Litter! It is against the law to throw anything from a vehicle.
Throwing food scraps and rubbish that has had food in it out of your car is not only illegal, but it can attract wildlife to feed on the scraps on the roads, which increases the chances of them being injured or killed.
Take a bag in the car for your rubbish and put it in a bin when you find one.
Keep Australia Beautiful and Help Protect Our Wildlife
General First Aid
It is strongly recommended that you have a commercial first aid kit for travel in your vehicle. If you don't have one, then make one with the following items:
- Band Aids
- Antiseptic Cream / Powder
- Large Bandage
- Safety Pins
- Sling
- Scissors
- Sterilising Agent / Swabs
- Burn Ointment
- Tweezers
- Magnifying Glass
- Needle to help the removal of splinters
- Insect Bite Cream or Stingose
- Travel Rug
A travel rug in your vehicle is useful for picnics, but can also be useful for accident victims. A small fire extinguisher can also be handy to have.
*Please note: this is a guide only and should not be taken a professional medical advice. For further information on First Aid Kits contact your local Pharmasist, Medical Supplier, 4WD shop or your local Ambulance Station for more information.
Dial 000 for Emergency Services - this number is used throught Australia
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