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Welcome to episode 7 of the Outback Safer Driving series.
So I’ve just travelled off the bitumen and now I’ve pulled up and taken the opportunity to select four-wheel drive. The reason why I want four-wheel drive, if the vehicle’s capable of it, is because it will give me much better control on a dirt road.
It means that the front wheels are pulling the vehicle as well as the back wheels pushing it. My cornering is going to be a lot more accurate. It’s going to be a lot safer as well. Interestingly enough, my braking distance on dirt will be about a car length shorter at 60 kilometres an hour. So if I’m traveling at 80k’s an hour on this dirt road my braking distance is going to be a lot shorter in four wheel drive than if I was in two wheel drive.
So should the emergency happen like wildlife crossing the road, I know it’s going to be a lot safer for me in four-wheel drive than two-wheel drive.
When I get back to the tar, I’m going to go back to two-wheel drive. And that way I’m not going to overstress the vehicle in any of the situations that we’ve got on the bitumen.
Remember, if you’re travelling on dirt out here, theres a good chance you will have no or little mobile phone coverage. Please check the website for the latest safety information and road conditions while you still have range.
Stay safe. See you on the road.
DISCLAIMER:
The advice in these videos is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Road users are responsible for knowing and following the road rules. Consult a professional before travelling.
Links to relevant road rules:
