Grey nomads and holidaymakers in search of “sunnier climates” are being encouraged by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) to be prepared when venturing onto rural and remote roads.
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It reports that two-thirds of Australians live in cities, but half of up to 1300 annual road deaths occur in remote and rural areas.
“A quarter of the emergency medical evacuations the Flying Doctor respond to each year involve city travellers on outback adventures,” said senior flight nurse Karen Barlow of the RFDS South Eastern Section.
“The distances are greater and the temperatures much hotter, which can result in driver fatigue. The roads might be less busy, but surfaces can vary greatly and wildlife can be a hazard, especially during the hours of darkness.” It’s essential that you plan and prepare before you set off, especially if you’re not used to outback conditions.”
The RFDS is encouraging travellers to read a checklist at www.flyingdoctor.org.au called Travelling Outback.
Its wide-ranging advice includes getting good quality maps, checking water containers for leaks, taking medication and scripts and being prepared to provide location details in the event of an emergency.
The life-threatening experience of Peter Smith, of Warner’s Bay near Newcastle, is also being recounted to warn grey nomads that the “unexpected happens when you least expect it”.
“If it wasn’t for the Flying Doctor I don’t think Peter would be here,” said wife Robyn who appears in a video released by the RFDS.
