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It’s a nightmare state of affairs for many travellers: having your automobile break down removed from a serious city, and with out cell phone reception to name for assist.
Whereas no person is anticipated to know when a automotive accident or engine failure will occur, bringing further provides for such an unlucky state of affairs will be very important for survival – in addition to realizing which roads might put you within the biggest hazard.
To that finish, a brand new research has compiled information primarily based on generally travelled roads in regional areas of Australia, offering info on distances to the closest gas station, mechanic, and hospital.
Primarily based on these metrics, every highway has been given a Hazard Zone Index Rating, to assist travellers to concentrate on the potential hazards ought to they discover themselves stranded.
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Of the highest three most harmful roads, the Diamantina River Highway in outback Queensland is available in at quantity three, with an index rating of 178.49 – with at the very least 177km to the closest gas station, mechanic, or hospital from essentially the most distant level of the highway.
In second is the Tanami Highway within the Northern Territory, which scores an index rating of 249.60, with greater than 230km to achieve a hospital – and 300km for a mechanic – in a worst-case state of affairs.
In accordance with the research, compiled by automotive rent comparability web site VroomVroomVroom, Western Australia’s Gunbarrell Freeway is essentially the most harmful generally used highway within the nation, with a rating of 267.45.
Positioned close to the borders of South Australia and the Northern Territory, breaking down on essentially the most distant a part of the Gunbarrel Freeway will imply at the very least 200km to a gas station, virtually 300km to the closest hospital, and 450km to the closest mechanic.
“When heading into distant or rugged elements of Australia, preparation is the whole lot,” former SAS commando Ryan Wilson mentioned on the launch of the information.
“You’re in a scenario that requires calm, deliberate motion,” mentioned Mr Wilson, who’s now the founder and chairman of Working Paws Australia, a charity for retired navy canines.
“Psychological preparedness issues – plan your route and test highway and climate circumstances, and inform somebody the place you’re going and when you will arrive.”
Mr Wilson says it’s very important to carry further water, meals, and a primary help equipment with you, in addition to GPS navigation, fundamental instruments and spare elements.
“Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, plus sun shades, are a non-negotiable – double down with a poncho, mosquito repellent and snake chew bandages too,” he mentioned.
“Get a notepad and pen and an emergency contact checklist, know your driver’s licence [number] and registration particulars. You by no means know what scenario you may be in.”
Whereas a cell phone could be a lifeline in populated areas, having some sort of secondary type of communication will be very important in areas with out cell protection – corresponding to UHF radio, satellite tv for pc telephone, or GPS messaging system like a Spot or Garmin inReach.
In June 2025, Telstra introduced its Satellite tv for pc Messaging service, permitting these with appropriate smartphones to ship textual content messages, even after they don’t have cell reception.
Ought to these not be accessible to you, Mr Wilson says the aim is to be seen or heard from a distance.
“Use something reflective – mirrors, CDs, foil – to flash daylight, or create massive floor indicators like ‘SOS’ or ‘HELP’ utilizing rocks. If it’s secure, smoke from a managed hearth is extremely seen at evening or day.”
Click on right here to entry the complete checklist of Breakdown Dangerzones by VroomVroomVroom, or study extra about Working Paws Australia by clicking right here.
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