Places to go, people to see; that’s what four-wheel driving is all about. But there are ways to do it and rules to be observed, especially when we are on the road.
Track cutting is one of the biggest beefs with National Parks and DSE and it is why they gate off some tracks that have been destroyed. Sustainable four-wheel driving is all about taking the ‘live and let live’ philosophy not only into the bush, but on the road as well. For the sake of the reputation of the 4X4 fraternity, the bush, and for other travellers, here are a few examples of how to keep your nose clean. Let’s call it the ‘Nice Guy’s Guide to 4X4 Etiquette’.
JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE BIG,
DOESN’T MEAN YOU ARE BETTER
Say, for example, you’re being held up by some ageing driver on a long stretch of double-white-lined road. Please don’t use the greater bulk of your vehicle to menace the smaller one in the hope it will persuade him to go faster. It won’t; you will merely confirm a contra conviction. Little things like sitting slightly back at intersections so the car next to you has a clear view of the coming traffic on your side, and angling your side mirrors and rear-view a little lower (most sports cars are no higher than a bee’s knees) go a long way to making us considerate road users. Take extra care when checking for motorbikes and smaller vehicles; look over your shoulder if you need to.
Particularly in the city, if you have a UHF radio fitted, don’t indulge in a lot of worthless chatter like our kids do on Facebook. You’ll probably be preventing other people from having genuinely necessary conversations by clogging up the airwaves … and you should be concentrating your efforts on driving, anyway. You’re better off temporarily removing your aerials, and it will prevent damage when you are entering and exiting car parks. On the subject of car parks, make sure you know exactly how high your vehicle is before heading into them. Getting your 2.4 metre 4X4 wedged in a 2.1 metre car park entry is not a great way to endear yourself to the cars behind you.
RESPECT RURAL DWELLERS
Let’s move out to the bush where we’re more at home. There are a few ‘niceties’ to observe here as well. The first one may seem obvious, but it’s disregarded so many times that it bears repeating: When travelling on access roads through rural properties, leave gates as you find them. Sorry to state the obvious … but that means, if they’re open, leave them open; if you have to open them, close them again.
Some rural properties have the homesteads situated near dirt roads. If you’re passing, keep the speed – and the dust – down; particularly if you can see washing flapping on the clothesline.
While on the subject of dust, travelling roads like the Plenty Highway (which you’ll more than likely be sharing with road trains), if you see a long vehicle approaching move to the shoulder of the road and stop. This is for two reasons: One, the driver will know you’re aware of the oncoming juggernaut; and two, you will be safer because the dust thrown up by a road train is absolutely blinding.
In some places, access roads are privately maintained; so if it’s raining, stay off them. The cost of repair can run into thousands of dollars. It’s also illegal to drive on public roads that have been declared closed, and the fines can be horrendous – depending on which state you’re in. In South Australia, for example, it’s a grand a wheel. Work that out if you’re towing a tandem axle trailer and have two spare tyres on your 4X4. The fines will apply even if you were unaware of the closures – so make sure you have your radio on ABC National, which regularly broadcasts news about road closures. If in doubt, check in at the local tourist information centre for road closure information.
DON’T MAKE NEW TRACKS
… and don’t destroy old ones. Tracks are there for a purpose; getting from point A to point B. Whilst many are challenging in an enjoyable way, don’t cut them up by repeatedly roaring through them and digging holes. Track cutting is one of the biggest beefs with National Parks and DSE and it is why they gate off some tracks that have been destroyed – they don’t want you driving over vegetation they are trying to preserve.
TAKE YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU
Would you like to turn up to a campground covered in litter and refuse? Neither does anyone else. We here at Unsealed 4X4 headquarters have a policy of cleaning up and even taking anything other people have left behind and disposing of it properly. It’s not much fun, but if everyone did it we wouldn’t have a lot of the access problems we have these days.
In relation to human waste, we’ve spoken about this a fair bit in past but it’s just not sinking in. If there are toilet facilities available, use them and don’t be a grub. If it’s only bush camping, dig a hole (minimum 30cm deep) well away from everyone and everything; and burn, then bury, your waste. An even better option is a Portaloo – take your waste away with you.
PUBLIC IMAGE
Those of you who are new to 4X4 ownership may not know that over the years there have been instances of anti-4X4 feeling. So unless you want to run the risk of everything being cut out, walk the talk. Courtesy is a quality everyone should exhibit while driving … but for those of us in the 4X4 fraternity, it’s critical.
Where can you learn more about the rights and wrongs of owning a 4X4? Join a club! Not only will you learn valuable new information, be given helpful advice and make new friends, you’ll be taught how best to publicly represent your new lifestyle. Many clubs are also vehicle make specific, making them a great place to discuss issues and find solutions to questions you may have about your own 4X4.
