Did you know?
- In 2023 there were 87 lives lost on Queensland’s remote and outer regional roads.
- During the 2022-23 Christmas/New Year period, there were 10 lives lost and 228 hospitalisations from road crashes in 11 days across Australia.
- Since 2019, nearly 85% of fatal crashes involving young drivers on rural roads happened in high-speed zones.
- From 2018 to 2022 there were 65 lives lost and 1197 hospitalisations from road crashes involving light passenger vehicles towing a trailer.
Expect the unexpected
With long travel distances, high-speed limits, and some unpredictable conditions, driving in rural and remote areas takes some serious concentration. If conditions change, slow down – because the faster you go the less time you have to react to the unexpected.
Dust
Queensland Police captured footage on outback roads at Windorah and Birdsville showing visibility hazards while driving.
Wildlife
Wildlife—particularly kangaroos—are more active at dawn and dusk and cattle and sheep might stand in the middle of the road to watch you approach.
Weather
Dry weather can create dusty conditions and limit your visibility, while wet weather can make roads muddy, slippery and boggy. Keep yourself safe by slowing down.
Fatigue
Long distances and stretches of unchanging outback landscape can make a driver very tired. Drifting, yawning, or trouble keeping your eyes open? It’s a sign you should take a break.
Unsealed roads
In rural and remote areas, you may encounter gravel, sand or dirt roads. Driving on unsealed roads can be challenging – your tyres can lose traction, while loose dirt and gravel can be thrown up by other vehicles.
Time of day
When driving at night, many rural and remote roads are unlit. If you’re driving towards the west, the afternoon sun from 4pm can impact your visibility and mean you might not see oncoming vehicles or animals.
Towing
Towing a caravan, camper trailer, boat trailer or horse float, requires additional driving skills, concentration, and safety precautions.
| 1619 | Road Crashes |
| 50 | Lives lost |
| 799 | Hospitalisations |
Weight Matters
Towing will affect your vehicle in several ways:
- decreased acceleration and braking performance
- reduced vehicle control and manoeuvrability
- increased fuel consumption.