Safety First: Long-Distance Driving Tips when Exploring Perth (and Beyond)
Perth is one of the largest cities in Australia, and currently home to more than 2.2 million residents. While there are plenty of urban attractions that travellers can enjoy, you might instead be hoping to explore the decidedly vast expanse that has come to define Western Australia. However, it is equally important to avoid biting off more than you can chew.
Western Australia occupies a total land area of 2.5 million square kilometres, and some regions are sparsely populated. This is why it is crucial to adequately prepare for your journey well in advance so that nothing is left to chance. Let’s take a look at some practical suggestions and how to employ them to ensure a safe trip.
Choose the Right Type of Vehicle
One excellent way to ensure a smooth ride is torent a car in Perth, where car rental services offer a wide range of options. However, be sure the vehicle in question can handle the journey. Here are some common categories:
Electric vehicles
Compact cars
Vans
Off-road vehicles such as all-wheel drive models
Luxury cars
It should already be apparent that some configurations are better suited for long-distance travel than others. For instance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are suitable for uneven road surfaces (such as unpaved motorways). Vans could be a wise choice for bulk transportation needs, while luxury sedans are better suited to short driving distances under predictable conditions. A reputable rental firm will provide you with additional advice tailored to your intended itinerary.
Consider Travel Insurance
What would happen if you find yourself broken down on the side of a remote motorway in Western Australia, and the closest service station happens to be located hours away? Or perhaps your vehicle suffers unintentional damage from a large pothole. These are two situations that can cause massive headaches from a financial perspective. This is why it is often wise to purchase short-term travel insurance when planning for an excursion. There are many packages, each offering bespoke levels of coverage. The good news is that rental services often include insurance as an option in the contract. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry!
Check Predicted Weather Conditions
There is little doubt that Western Australia is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Unfortunately, this allure can sometimes come at a price in terms of weather conditions. Summers are brutally hot throughout the interior, and the wet season in northern destinations can quickly render motorways impassable. Therefore, make it a point to analyse upcoming travel forecasts, especially if you will be on the road for days at a time.
Keep Others Informed
This next tip is particularly useful for those who will be travelling alone. Always make it a point to let at least one person know when you will depart and when you expect to arrive at your destination. You could also choose to provide the exact route. The intention here is to avoid a scenario in which you become stranded, and there is no one to inform the relevant authorities. Although this may appear to represent a worst-case situation, an ounce of preparation will certainly go a long way.
Never Forget Creature Comforts
Now that we’ve addressed a handful of practical considerations, we can move on to highlight tips to make the journey more pleasant. For instance, try to dress in loose clothing so you can remain comfortable when sitting for extended periods. Here are some other useful recommendations:
Bring along a cooler to keep your refreshments cold
Always ensure that you pack additional bottles of water
Travel-sized board games (such as chess and Monopoly) are great ideas if children will be along for the ride
Electronic devices such as portable music players and tablets capable of playing videos are excellent ways to pass the time
Most experts also recommend packing a blanket, as temperatures in Western Australia's interior can become quite cool once the sun has dipped below the horizon.
An Ounce of Preparation
Western Australia can provide memories to last a lifetime if you take the time to prepare for your journey. Feel free to refer to the advice above to truly enjoy the open road.