Driving on Territory roads in the wet season

Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article.

Territorians know that living in the NT means being gifted with a spectacular contrast in conditions; the red dirt against the blue sky, and the wet versus the dry season. For those in the Top End, six months of the year provide mild evenings with plenty of dragonflies; while the rest of the year bears high humidity and impressive storm activity.

Throughout the Wet, you can witness magnificent sunset displays of purple, pink, blue and orange; as well as lightning strikes that light up the sky. Accompanying these conditions however, are monsoonal rains, severe thunderstorms and tropical cyclones.

During this time, most of us will be put in a situation where we have to face water on the road. This is one of the main reasons why so many of us have 4WD’s up here.

There will be times when heavy rains can lead to severe flooding, and entering floodwaters can be deadly and should be avoided wherever possible. And, remember, this can occur anywhere: remote, rural or even in the city.

To ensure you stay safe and alert on our roads, see the below tips that are recommended by the NT Government Road Users' Guide, and keep them in mind when driving in these types of weather conditions.

If you come across water on the road:

• it is advised to never attempt to cross a flooded road where there are 'road closed' signs or other traffic controls in place indicating that the road is impassable,
• wait until the water level drops,
• be aware that if you cannot see the road surface, obstructions may be present or wash outs may have occurred, if in doubt do not cross,
• be alert for crocodiles as they inhabit many waterways in the north; and
• always check the brakes are working properly. If water has reached the brakes they might not be as effective as usual. An easy way to dry out brakes is to drive for a short distance with your foot pressing gently on the brake.

If your vehicle becomes stuck (bogged) in mud or sand:

• engage 4WD if you haven’t already (don’t forget to lock your hubs if need be),
• try reversing out,
• let some air out of your tyres and try to drive out, remember once you’re out to pump your tyres back up using your air compressor,
• place sticks, bushes and other materials under your tyres and then try to drive out,
• wait with your vehicle for another vehicle to come along and pull you out using a snatch strap or load rated rope - do not use the tow ball as an anchor point; and
• if you are still bogged, stay with your vehicle until help arrives.

We can face some pretty harsh conditions here in the Territory, with heavy rain causing flash flooding that can turn roads into rapids in an instant. Even for experienced drivers who know the roads and what their cars are capable of, floodwaters can change everything without warning.

If you're ever uncertain on whether to cross, listen to the advice of the Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES) - if it's flooded, forget it.

Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by TIO. Information contained in this article is accurate as at 7th October 2022 and may be subject to change. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither TIO, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.