Big Red Tour: Road manners in the Australian Outback.

B I G R E D T O U R

Road manners in the Australian Outback

WHERE TO GO

COMMENT
I find that people from overseas tend to drive more carefully and be less of hazard on the roads than Australian city people. Probably because the overseas tourists are aware that they are driving in a different environment, while as every city macho in a new Landcruiser think they know it all and drive like they were on a rally.

HOW TO DRIVE
Read more about how to drive in the Australian Outback.

Cattle on the road

Roadsign towards Curdimurka

Dragging a car through a river crossing

ROAD MANNERS ON THE DIRT ROAD
There's no mystery to safe driving on dirt roads, just use your common sense.

1. General rule. Slow down, relax, take it easy. Most fatal accidents in the bush are related to people driving too fast, often drunk.

2. Approaching vehicles. When another vehicle is approaching, slow down and stop. Wait and see what the other person does. Then act.

3. Road trains. Get out of the way for road trains, there's no way they can stop for you or pull over.

4. People or vehicles by the roadside. If someone is standing by the roadside with their car, slow down and try to find out if they're OK or if they need help. The next time it might be you that need help.

5. Walkers and bicyclers. The same applies to people walking or bicycling. Give the poor bastards some water or other support, they need it and they will for sure appreciate it.