While the three prospectors who recently went missing in the West Australian Goldfields have been found alive and well, their ordeal has prompted police to issue another urgent warning about the dangers of Outback driving.
The reminders came after a 65-year-old man, his 66-year-old wife and their 33-year-old son were left stranded near Sandstone in remote WA after their vehicle suffered several flat tyres. Emergency services launched a massive search operation but the trio were eventually found by an employee of an Outback station. They had remained with their stricken vehicle.
Acting Inspector Martin Haime told the Collie Mail newspaper that grey nomads and others travelling in remote areas have to be prepared for less than favourable conditions.
“You must ensure the vehicle is in good condition before setting off,” he said. “And that you have at least two spare tyres and enough fuel to travel vast distances between service points.”
Acting Inspector Haime said travellers must have at least three days worth of water for every one with them, as well as water for the vehicle and enough food to be self sufficient for the duration of the trip.
The officer said travellers should also tell someone where they are going, when they are expected to arrive, and then confirm with them when they make that arrival.
Drivers should not just rely on mobile phone and GPS services in remote areas or on the battery life of their appliance. They should have a detailed current map and use local government offices and the main roads website to check road conditions.
In times of severe weather, bushfire or flood, it is not always possible to access the original planned route so having identified alternative routes is important.
Drivers should have invested in an EPIRB or personal locator beacon, in case they hit trouble, which will allow emergency services to identify their location and personal details such as your next of kin.
Satellite phones are also invaluable and will ensure rescuers can get to anyone in need you as fast as possible.
Finally, Acting Inspector Haime suggested those travelling in very remote areas make sure they have a high-frequency (HF) and citizens band (CB) radios with you.
