Driving tips for all road conditions
Driving in wet conditions
- Ensure you have good tyre tread.
- Slow down.
- Double your distance between you and the car in front. This allows for greater reaction and braking time.
- Postpone your trip on unsealed roads.
- Check road conditions on the 13 19 40 website, with local Police or RACQ.
- Turn on your lights.
- Further information is available on the Guide to flooding and roads page.
Driving around bushfires
- Always avoid travelling in areas where bushfires are burning – driving during a bushfire is a last resort.
- If possible, always u-turn and drive to safety.
- Turn on your headlights and hazard lights.
- Close all air vents and windows.
- Further information is available on the Fire safety on the road page.
Driving in sandy conditions
- Use a 4WD.
- Deflate the tyres.
- Carry an air pump, jack and shovel.
Driving in dusty conditions
- Stop and wait for dust to settle. Don't take any risks.
- Turn on your lights.
Driving outside city/town limits
- Reduce speed before nearing edge of the road. Beware of edge drop-offs and loose stones.
- Look out for stray stock and wildlife, especially at night. Avoid swerving to miss them. Slow down and beep your horn.
- If you're driving towards the west, avoid driving after 4pm. The setting sun can affect your vision.
Driving with trucks
- Do not cut in front of the truck.
- Trucks need extra room to corner and brake.
Overtaking a road train
- The long vehicle will stay on the sealed road.
- Flash your lights to warn the driver you plan to overtake.
- Allow at least 1 km of clear road ahead.
- Look out for soft shoulders, guide posts and wildlife as you overtake.
Towing
- Leave a longer stopping distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Allow for extra length and width of the trailer when entering traffic.
- Apply accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly to avoid sway, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- Allow for increased effects of crosswinds, passing vehicles and uneven road surfaces.
- Allow more time and distance to overtake.
- If traffic is unable to overtake you, pull over to allow them to pass. This will avoid build-up of traffic.
Also look out for:
- cyclists.
- pedestrians
- train crossings and cane trains.
Last reviewed: 30 June 2009