Country driving

Gravel roads

• Slow down and reduce your speed to suit the conditions - there is less traction on gravel roads and it is easier to lose control, compared to driving on a bitumen surface.
• If traffic signs warn of a gravel road ahead, slow down while you are still on the bitumen.
• Follow tyre tracks wherever possible - this will provide firmer ground. Keep away from the loose gravel on the edge of the road, it could pull you off the road and may cause your vehicle to roll over.
• Slow down for corrugations (bumps on the road) - the old adage about speeding up to travel over the top may appear to work for small corrugations, but you could lose traction. When corrugations get severe you may lose control of the vehicle.
• Watch out for the slope or camber of the road on corners - it could be sloping in the wrong direction and cause you to skid off the road if you are travelling too fast.
• ABS will work differently on gravel and may increase your braking distance. If you have to brake heavily be aware of the difference in the braking sensation of ABS.
• Consider using a lower gear when driving. It will give you better control and enable you to use the engine as a brake rather than relying on the brakes.
• Try to steer and brake as smoothly as possible - jerky or sudden braking or steering will increase the risk of your vehicle skidding.
• Watch out for dust ahead. It could be a sign of an oncoming vehicle, or it could signify that you are coming up behind a vehicle - switch your headlights to low beam when driving in dust.
• Slow down and keep left on the approach to blind corners and crests - if you meet an oncoming vehicle it may be difficult to avoid a collision
• Don't swerve to miss an animal - you may lose control of the vehicle and you can't predict which way the animal will go. Slow down as much as possible and stop, if necessary, until the road is clear.

Road trains

If you plan to drive in Western Australia and particularly in the north west of the state, you will come across road trains.

Road trains are vital to Western Australian infrastructure. They can be up to 53 metres long they deliver freight to remote mine sites and towns throughout the Western Australia.

Because of their size, road trains present unique difficulties for drivers that encounter them, especially on narrow roads. 

• Ensure the road ahead is clear when overtaking.
• Overtake quickly; don't hesitate.
• Allow the road train plenty of room to brake and manoeuvre.
• Make allowances for the wind buffeting your car as you pass.
• Allow the road train to remain on the bitumen, if the road is narrow. This will minimize flying debris from the many wheels of the larger vehicle and reduce dust.
• Show extra caution when driving at night.
• Be patient.
• Do not pull out onto a road when a road train is approaching. 
• Road trains require a great stopping/breaking distance. 
• Do not stop on narrow sections of road.
• Do not overtake near junctions - road trains may require two lanes in order to turn.
• If a road train is approaching from the opposite direction and the road is narrow, pull over off the bitumen if necessary and allow as much room as possible.
• If you have a CB radio in your car, let the driver of the road train know that you are behind and wish to overtake.
• The driver will tell you / or indicate when it is safe to do so.
  

Safe towing tips

• Make sure your towing vehicle has sufficient towing capacity for the trailer or caravan - check the manufacturer's handbook for the vehicle's towing capacity.
• Correct loading of the trailer or caravan is essential to safe driving.
• Don't overload it and aim to balance the load evenly over the axle(s).
• Too much weight to the front of the caravan causes excessive load on the rear springs of the towing vehicle. 
• Familiarise yourself with towing by taking a few short trips, before tackling a long journey.
• Slow down at the first sign of the trailer swaying, but don't brake! Stop and check the load distribution, tyres and hitch before continuing.
• Remember the trailer/caravan when turning corners - the trailer will take a shorter line and you must compensate by steering the vehicle on a wider path.
• Take your time when reversing - ask someone to guide you, or better still, ask someone who has experience in reversing a trailer.
• The extra weight makes overtaking difficult, so make sure you have the extra distance if you need to overtake.
• Keep left when being overtaken.