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 Main Roads' website, with local Police or RACQ
  • Turn on your lights

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