Grey nomads travelling in South Australia’s remote Outback regions will have easier access to up-to-the-minute road condition information thanks to the installation of QR codes on signs.
The large QR codes are being installed on existing road condition signs, within mobile phone range, across the state’s unsealed road network to provide direct access to the Outback Roads Warnings webpage.
The Outback Roads Warnings webpage hosts latest available information on the status and conditions of roads.
Warning signs that advise travellers of changing road conditions during rain events are also being installed on many unsealed roads that do not have road closure signs.
Road conditions in the Outback can change very quickly. PIC: Pixabay
Regional Roads Minister Geoff Brock said weather conditions in the Outback can change quickly, and it was critical that travellers on the state’s unsealed road network had the latest available road condition information.
“Heavy or prolonged rainfall events can make our unsealed roads very dangerous and closing them quickly during weather emergencies can save lives,” he said. “There is always an important safety reason why a track is closed.”
The new QR code on the Oodnadatta Track signage. PIC: Outback Travel Warnings
Mr Brock said the new QR codes on signage would not only make it easy for travellers to access the latest road conditions, but were also a visible reminder for grey nomads and other travellers that they should take a moment to stop and check.
“We want all travellers on our unsealed road network to safely reach their destination,” he said. “Taking a couple of minutes to stop and check road conditions could save you a world of trouble or could even save your life.”
Every year, a number of travellers get themselves into serious trouble while out in remote areas, sometimes with tragic consequences.
The South Australian Government continues to stress that proper preparation is key. It says that road users planning to travel the state’s outback are reminded to have a clear plan, travel with adequate supplies including drinking water and first-aid supplies and ensure the vehicle is in appropriate condition for unsealed roads.
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For me..ring ahead to the local pub or Police Stn.
Best up to date info you will get..
also they’re mostly always good for a friendly local chat..!
A great Idea. QR Codes are becoming a sign of the Future and will be a great help for many Travelers
Only time will tell if extra signage will make a difference. It will all depend on how many travellers heed any warnings. Having said that I do believe that easier access to outback road conditions information has to be a very good thing.
Providing there is internet coverage. I live 9.5 kms from the centre of Brisbane and Optus or Vodafone randomly get phone access never mind internet. You have of course heard of the fake QR code stickers which lead you to scammer websites. The sort that need you to reboot your phone to get out of them. The tech world is full of opportunities.
Forget both of them, go with Boost which is owned by Telstra and gives the same coverage at $35 every 4 weeks, Telstra was $62 monthly, but still a good saving, so payments can be direct debited on your pay day.
The authorities who come up with these ideas have forgotten not all we oldies have mobile phones capable of reading QR Codes.
How old are you Len? I’m 76, going on 77 and I can understand all that technology and more. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself when my wife passed away in 1997 I did computer courses and have stayed up to date with all the current technology. I have a Smart phone which I think sometimes it’s smarter than me, but it has so much information on it that between that and the UHF radio in my car, and about to put one in my pop-top, I can stay on top of things, pardon the pun.
Next time you’re in a small town somewhere for a while, or back home, check out the local Neighbourhood House or University of the 3rd Age which is aimed at us oldies and the courses are done at your pace, and look up their computer courses.
Be good if regularly updated
Great idea if you have a phone which is compatible to do this. We don’t and we are e not going to spend the equivalent of a fortnights pension to buy one. I will just ring up the local authority to find out
You can get a Samsung A13 for around $320 which will give you all that information, but make sure it isn’t isn’t network locked so you can go with whichever carrier you choose.
I’ve just changed from Telstra to Boost, which is owned byTelstra and gives the same coverage and went from $62 a month to $35 , the difference is it’s every 4 weeks not monthly, but still a good saving, so you have it direct debited on your pension day like I have.