If you are planning to drive a long distance overnight, it is important that you prepare yourself. Many people make the mistake of thinking that because they drive short distances in the day, they can easily drive a long distance overnight. However, driving at night presents its own set of challenges, so it pays to be prepared. Below is a guide to everything you need to know.
Check Your Car
Before setting off, you should check that the oil and water reservoirs are full, that the brakes are working and that every light on the car works as expected. When driving at night, the lights on your car are the only thing that allows other people to see you and for you to see them. If your headlights are not working, you may struggle to see the road ahead, and this could result in a serious accident. If your brake lights is not working, this could result in a car behind you crashing into you because they are not aware that you are slowing down.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Before you set off, you should put together an emergency kit which will help you in the event that your car breaks down on your overnight trip. Even in summer, nighttime temperatures in the Australian Outback can fall very low. You should pack some warm clothes and a torch. This will allow you to stay warm and to see if the heating or lighting systems on your car fail. You should also pack a bottle of water and some snacks to keep yourself going until you are rescued.
Register with a Tow Truck Company
Finally, you should register with a tow truck company which offers you 24-hour rescue coverage. Place the contact details for the tow truck business behind the sun visor in your car so you can quickly locate them in the event of an emergency. If you break down, you can call the number to get help. You will be asked to confirm your policy details and your current location. If you are unsure of your current location, you should look for roadside markers which display how many kilometres along a route you are. The tow truck company will send out a contractor who will take your vehicle to the nearest repair shop. Contact a tow truck company for further advice and information about the services they can offer you.
