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4. Driving safely
5. Driving tips for all road conditions

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.