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NEWS
TOP TIP: Watch out for wildlife
Roadside wildlife is both a curse and a blessingIn all my travels across Australia completing relocations for customers I’ve witnessed some amazing sights in regards to wild life.
For example, I’ve crossed the Nullarbor Plains seven times over the past three years and most people would wonder how any wildlife exists in this most barren of places.
The Nullarbor is an amazing drive for the first or second time, but after a few times becomes quite boring. However, having a nice break with a cuppa looking out over the Great Australian Bight with the chance of watching whales breaching makes the Nullarbor drive just that little bit better.
Other wild life I’ve spotted firsthand from the driver’s seat include huge wingspan eagles and hawks feasting on road kill, kangaroos, emus, cattle, sheep, feral cats, dingoes, goats, koalas, large snakes and wombats.
However, my most scary moment was in the Northern Territory when out of nowhere a group of camels darted out in front! Those bludgers move so damn fast.
Luckily I was on the ball and was able to avoid them, as hitting a wild camel could be quite disastrous – a bit like when the Titanic hit that iceberg, only worse.
But the most prominent Outback animal in my experience is the iconic kangaroo. They’re in plague portions at present across Australia.
Then there are the wild pigs and wombats that can do so much undercarriage damage -- not seen so much during daylight hours, but more around night time.
That’s one reason why I personally don’t drive at night; especially if towing some-one else’s caravan. This is a certain recipe for disaster.
The best bet is to do as little early morning and late evening driving as possible, as most of these beasts seem to start moving when the sun is low.
The other reason is driver fatigue. Many drivers feel they can drive all day and half the night – wrong! Anyone in the transport department or driver safety programs will tell you the maximum is 12 hour’s drive time, which is basically daylight hours.
However, if you follow the road safety advice, stop every two hours for a break even though the distance you travel is generally less.
That way you will feel more alert for any possible emergencies, not just from wildlife encounters, but tyre blow outs.
Breaking long journeys is especially important if travelling into the sun of an afternoon, as this can have a mesmerising effect on the brain.
Driver fatigue is a big road killer so please, take a break every couple of hours, stop for a coffee, a snack or even just walk around the car and kick the tyres.
It could possibly save your life and anyone else in your vehicle.
Anthony Thomas runs Caravan Relocation Services. If you need a caravan, motorhome or boat trailer relocated or moved anywhere around Australia, click here.
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Written byAnthony Thomas
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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