The dangers that wandering wildlife pose to grey nomads and other Outback travellers have been graphically illustrated by a tragic accident in north-west Queensland.
Two people have died after their campervan collided with cattle on the Barkly Highway about 60 kilometres west of Mount Isa.
Police say investigation into the death of the 41-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, Â who were interstate travellers, is continuing.
“We are not too sure but they were driving a campervan and obviously they were travelling around but we haven’t been able to establish their movements at this stage,” Superintendant Russell Miller told the ABC. “For people who use the roads, both to the north and the west of Mount Isa, and between Mount Isa and Cloncurry, there is regularly cattle wandering on the roads, so it is quite dangerous at night.
Superintendent Miller re-emphasised the message that grey nomads and other travellers need to be aware that there are often cattle and other wild animals on the road.
I can not be leave that they wear driving at night we all know that is the BIG NO NO ! they would have to be from overseas , we are all off the road by 5pm
Have done night time driving and the risks during the day are just as great. .. have hit emu’s, kangaroos and have been just missed by truck’s. All during the day
People from the city don’t know about this stuff – I wouldn’t think there would be a herd of cows on the road at 8.30pm that’s for sure
No i would not travel at night too dangerous
Do not travel at night, far too dangerous. Have seen a lot of cattle on the road, in cases having to stop completely until they go to the side. I also warn others on the UHF40 and have been thanked by nomads and truckies alike. Only in the daytime. Off the road while the sun is still out.
I saw a Commodore that hit a Brahman Bull at Erldunda NT a few years ago. The headlights were flat up to the firewall, I don’t know the fate of the driver, however I saw the “bloated carcass” of the bull around 10 km north of the town. So no night driving in the outback for me.
Sometimes you need to travel at night. . Have done 80, 00km in 2 years traveling Queensland and NSW… this is a tragic accident that could have happened day or night …how many accidents occur during the day .?.. .. my sympathy to the family’s involved. ..
The difference is you can see them in the daytime Joanne, well before you get to them. Even if close and they walk out in front of you there is a better chance of spotting them coming and slowing down or braking as I have done, as well as warning other traffic.
You can’t do all that in the dark when you just hit them with no warning.
Exactly the same answer from me marj
You NEVER drive round Mt Isa at night because the cattle sit on the hot bitumin and sleep, then the Road Trains come through and kill them.
Next day there are bodies alo over the road.
No never travel of a night except in dire emergency maybe overseas visitors and just not aware, very sad
I prefer to travel at night when doing long distance up north, 99% of drivers are professional. Good lights and common sense is required for night driving. Give me a few mobs of cattle or a mob or 2 of roo than the idiots I see during the day. I also think maybe the cattle have more common sense than some daytime idiots.
Yes Blaze, I’m with you have done thousands of k’s at night, with & without van, share the road with mainly professionals, good lights, drive to conditions etc, have even done the Plenty hwy and part of the Tanami Track at night….slowly,,but a great experience & yes have encountered livestock at night, but have been driving to conditions and been able to pull up / avoid with no real concerns…in the end…to each their own. Cheers Steve.