Driving Safely

The roads in the Northern Territory range from first-class, all-weather sealed roads, to little more than goat tracks that delight the 4WD enthusiast.

Many of the road conditions, and our own set of unique driving hazards like livestock, road trains, heat and long distance, are not normally encountered in the home environment of the average visitor.

While potentially lethal, many of the driving hazards that can lead to a road accident can be avoided with a bit of thought, care and attention. Always remember that the unexpected may be just around the corner, and modify your driving style in such a way that you have time to react should you find yourself in a spot of bother.

As you read the information provided on this page, you will begin to realise that common sense is the most important factor in safe outback driving, more so than skill or experience.

Long Distance and Fatigue

Driving long distances in hot weather can cause fatigue and lead to accidents. STOP and REST at least every two hours, change drivers, take a walk, drink some water. Avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid driving immediately after large meals (they tend to relax and tire the driver).

Stop and rest if you feel drowsy or tired. Get off the road and do not continue to drive. An open window can help avoid drowsiness by letting in fresh air.

Wandering Stock

Most Northern Territory roads are unfenced. Stock and wildlife have all caused road accidents by entering the line of traffic without warning. Dawn and dusk are dangerous times for wandering animals. Always look out for wandering animals on or near the road and do not drive at night if possible.

Caravans

Before setting off ensure your caravan is loaded evenly. Check the tyre pressure and wear, and make sure that the caravan is coupled securely to the car's towbar. Slow down on corrugated surfaces or you might lose control of both the vehicle and the caravan.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a factor in approximately 60% of all NT road deaths. Even a small amount can hinder your judgement. Alcohol contributes to the onset of fatigue. The legal limit in the NT is 0.05 BAC. The safest level is zero. If you are drinking alcohol don't drive.

Speed

Excessive speed is a major cause of road deaths. Be alert and travel at a speed that suits the road, vehicle and weather conditions and will allow you to stop safely. Safe speed for prevailing conditions on the open road. In the NT there is no speed limit on the open roads - but the best advice is to drive at a reasonable speed which allows you to stop safely.

Road Trains

Road Trains are up to 53.5m long and 2.5m wide and have up to three trailers. Take care when overtaking road trains, and to pass safely you should be able to see at least one kilometre of clear road ahead.

4X4 Vehicles

Many 4X4 vehicles do not handle like standard passenger cars, being designed for on and off road conditions and having a high centre of gravity, a short wheel base and a narrow tread. Handling, breaking, cornering and high speed driving characteristics differ from standard passenger cars. Engage 4X4 when travelling on unsealed roads.

Dust and Floods

Some roads in the NT are dusty or prone to flash flooding. Check the depth, force and possibility of hidden obstructions in the water before proceeding. If unsure, wait until the level drops. Vehicles on unsealed roads can raise a dust cloud which will obscure your vision. Slow down or stop until the dust settles. Watch for approaching vehicles throwing up stones which may break your windscreen. Only overtake if your vision is clear.

Seat Belts

It is a legal requirement in the NT for all passengers and drivers to wear seat belts. The driver is responsible for making sure all passengers wear seat belts and will incur large fines if belts are not worn. In an accident, seat belts save lives. Remember to BELT UP!

Driving at Night

At night time, including dusk and dawn, many serious collisions occur because driving is more difficult. It is important to adjust your driving to night conditions. Your driving speed at night should be adjusted to the range of your headlights. Drive so you can stop well within the distance you can see.

Lights

It is a legal requirement to have your headlights switched on when driving your vehicle between sunset and sunrise and when weather conditions make it necessary. High beam may be used on any road but you must dip your headlights to low beam when an approaching vehicle is within 200 meters, or when the other vehicles headlights dip, whichever is sooner.

• Always dip your headlights when following another vehicle.
• Do not look directly at oncoming headlights - direct your eyes to the left hand side of the road.
• Keep your windscreen and headlights clean and be alert for pedestrians and animals which may be hidden in roadside darkness, or which may unexpectedly cross in front of your vehicle.
• Do not drive with the interior light on.
• Safe Following Distances

The recommended rule for ensuring a safe following distance is the 'Time Lapse Formula'. Watch the vehicle ahead pass a definite point on the road, then count 1001, 1002, that is two seconds until the front of your car passes the object. If you pass within two seconds you are following too closely. The rule applies at any speed. If the road is wet or slippery double the count to four seconds.

Driving in the Rain

Rain not only makes it harder to see but also makes the road slippery. When driving in wet weather conditions:

• Turn on your headlights if it is hard to see through the rain. Your vehicle will also be more visible to other drivers.
• Drive at a reduced speed.
• Double the following distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.
• Apply your brakes gently. Jamming the brakes on could throw the vehicle into a dangerous skid.

Single Vehicle Accidents

In the Northern Territory a very high percentage of injuries and deaths are caused by single vehicle accidents on rural roads. There are many causes to these accidents, but the majority are caused by:

• Fatigue,
• Drink driving,
• Excessive speed,
• Unskilled drivers, or
• Slippery or loose surface road conditions.

A common scenario in single vehicle accidents is a tired driver allowing the vehicle to drift off the paved surface and onto the loose shoulder of the road. This can also happen when the driver is blinded by oncoming headlights, or the rising or setting sun, is driving too fast for the road conditions, or attention is distratcted from the road.

The driver then jerks the steering wheel to bring the vehicle back causing the vehicle to slew and roll over. What can be done to prevent this happening?

• Do not drive for long hours without a break - drive for 2 hours maximum.
• Do not drink alcohol before or during a long trip.
• Drive at a suitable speed which allows you time to react to unusual situations.
• Avoid driving directly into the setting or rising sun. This is also the time when animals are likely to be on the road.
• Watch out for changing road conditions.
• If concentration is falling off or you feel sleepy, take a break.
• Encourage passengers to keep you alert, listen to a radio or tape.
• Make passengers (particularly children) aware of when you feel the need to concentrate on road conditions without distraction.

If you find yourself drifting off the pavement, or onto a loose surface, then slow down immediately by decreasing the pressure on the accelerator pedal. If you have to use the brakes make sure you are driving in a straight line - do not use brakes if you are changing direction. Next you should gently steer the vehicle back into line on the road.

Skidding

Skidding occurs when a tyre or tyres loses grip on the road.

Rear Wheel Skid: Usually results from excessive speed when cornering, or from harsh acceleration. Corrective action requires easing your foot off the accelerator and steering into the direction in which the rear of the vehicle is sliding. When the vehicle starts to straighten, steer in the desired direction and accelerate or brake gently

Front Wheel Skid: Usually occurs from excessive speed into a corner, or from harsh steering. Corrective action requires reducing speed and a gradual straightening of the front wheels until steering control is regained.

Four Wheel Skid: Caused by excessive or heavy braking or excessive speed through a corner. Corrective action requires momentary release of the brakes to allow the road wheels to rotate, then carefully re-apply the brakes making sure the wheels do not lock again.

To prevent skidding drive carefully and use the ABC of skid prevention:

• Accelerate gently
• Brake gently
• Corner gently

Tyre Blowout

If one of your tyres blows out or goes flat suddenly, the car will tend to weave or pull to one side. The risk is increased if the brakes are applied. Use them as little as possible and certainly avoid heavy braking. Grip the steering wheel firmly, take your foot gently off the accelerator, and roll to a stop by the side of the road. Hard braking will make things worse.

Shattered Windscreens

These are common on country roads. The speed of the car is the most important factor on gravel and newly surfaced roads, slow down. If a windscreen shatters, you should be able to see enough to come calmly to a stop by the side of the road. Punch out a hole to see through, using gloves or a cloth. Drive to a service station with the other car windows closed.

Brake Failure

If your brakes fail suddenly, pump the pedal. If this does not pump up the pressure enough for your brakes to work, then change to a lower gear and use the parking brake cautiously. If you must run off the road to avoid a collision, earth banks and ditches are safer to hit than trees or poles.

After driving through deep water, some water may stay in the brakes and reduce their effectiveness. You should check them after driving out of water, and if they feel unsound (and it is safe to do so) drive slowly with one foot on the brake pedal until the brakes are dry and braking efficiency returns to normal.

This condition would be significantly worse if there were mountains in the Northern Territory.

Collision Courses

Another driver may fall asleep or lose control and come straight towards you. Flash your lights and sound your horn. Do not drive onto the wrong side of the road, even if you think it may be clear. The oncoming vehicle may pull left at the last moment. Look for room to the left, brake and keep left. Drive off the road if you have to.

Unsealed or Gravel Roads

Vehicle behaviour on these roads is different to sealed roads. Drive within your capabilities and, as conditions vary, vary your speed accordingly. Do not speed in areas and conditions that are unfamiliar to you. Stopping distances increase and traction decreases when driving on unsealed roads. Reducing speed will ensure more effective stopping in an emergency. DO NOT TURN OR BRAKE SUDDENLY.

Be wary of sudden changes in road quality. Vehicles on unsealed roads can raise a dust cloud which will obscure your vision of oncoming traffic. Slow down or stop until the dust settles. Watch for approaching vehicles throwing up stones which may break your windscreen. Only overtake if your vision is clear. Beware of driving when the sun is low on the horizon.

Overtaking

It is strongly advised that you avoid overtaking on narrow road sections where it is necessary to leave the bitumen. It is better to lose some time than to lose your life.

Road trains are up to 53.5m long and 2.5m wide and have up to three trailers. To pass safely you should be able to see at least one kilometre of clear road ahead of the road train.

Changing Road Conditions

Avoid accidents caused by driving into potholes and broken road surfaces. Slow down and drive carefully at a speed that will allow you to negotiate unexpected hazards. Some roads in the NT are prone to flash flooding. Check the depth and force of water and the possibility of hidden obstructions before proceeding. If unsure, wait until the level drops.

Remote Areas

When driving in remote areas always:

• Tell a reliable person where you are travelling and confirm arrival at your destination to prevent unnecessary searches being instigated.
• Always carry and consume water to avoid dehydration. Allow 20 litres per person for two days' travelling and the expectation of breakdowns, and always top up the water container when water is available.
• Ensure that you have enough fuel so that you are not stranded between refuelling points. Check opening times of roadhouses and other refuelling points.
• In case of an emergency, stay with your vehicle and always stay in the shade. The vehicle offers shelter, and is easier to see from the air by rescuers.
  

Be Prepared

The Territory is well equipped with motor mechanics and parts retailers in the main centres. However, this is not always the case in remote areas, so be prepared. Carry basic spare parts like a jack, tyre, tyre repair kit, fan belts, coil, condenser, radiator hoses, tow rope and distributor points. If you plan to go off the main roads, you will need extra items like a jack with a large base to stop it sinking in the sand or mud, engine oil, axe and shovel. Always carry plenty of water - 20 litres minimum.

Fuel Stops

When you are planning to self-drive through the Territory, plan your fuel stops because you may need to carry extra fuel in remote areas. Some remote service stations have restricted opening hours and limited credit card facilities, so plan well and check ahead. Always carry a good map of the area, especially if you plan to travel off the main roads.