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Post Info TOPIC: What's essential for safety?
Evie n Rhys


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What's essential for safety?
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Before I head into the communications shops and become bombarded with all the things this "little woman" will need while travelling around OZ could you please share with me your thoughts on what you feel is necessary.  I have a new iPhone now due to the other one dying  and I will be sticking to the tar most of the time.  Is there a real need for anything further do you feel?  I don't want to be spending money on unnesecary equipment which by the way (when I have listened to cb's I can't understand a thing they say!!

Of course I want to be sensible and feel safe and secure but not go overboard. If I go into a store armed with a little knowledge then this may help.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Tess



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Mike C


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Hi Tess

On our last trip we did 5 months up north and N/W western Australia.
I had a CB which only ever got used to chat with other travellers when in convoy (was great for this).


The best investment I had for safety was a Spot device http://www.findmespot.net.au/SPOT-GPS-Messenger.html

Ours is the older model.

Basically I had it setup to message my friends whith a G'Day message all well etc and it send a link so they can see where you are on google maps.

A breakdown help message which would go to one of my sons who would arrange for mechanical assistance and provide my location (RACV etc)

A full on emergancy help system that would have the emergancy services out quick smart to assist should the need arrise.

We did some very remote off road travel and this litte device ensured that I was always in touch.

You have to pay an annual service charge.

Cheers

Mike



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blaze


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Common sense is your first item you need
the secomd is your moble
now thats got you covered for black top travel. because having number one you will have extra water and food at all times and the black top isnt that isolated you are very unlikely to have trouble where you wont see another vehiccle for 24 hrs
Now just for convenience buy a little habdheld uhf radi and you are set to go
cheers
blaze

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spida


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I agree Blaze.
'Blue tick' Mobile for rural coverage - although even that doesnt work everywhere in WA.
Have a Uniden handheld UHF - dont really find I need to use it but it is there.
For the ute I also have 2 spare tyres, a tyre patch thingie, 10l water and change of clothes and a blanket, jumper leads, tyre pump....... all gathering dust and long may that continue!
For safety - trust your instincts and if it dont feel right dont do it - or go there, or stay there. Having met you I say you will be just fine:)


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Gerty Dancer


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I agree with blaze, a uhf radio is a good tool on the highways, you can let a truckie know that you will let him pass when you can etc, listen for, or warn others of problems ahead. Very useful, but I agree it takes a while to figure out what they mean as they have their own jargon. You never know you may be able to say G'day to Cruisin Granny!
But not recommended near or in cities where the foul language the truckies use is at its worst, not so bad out on the highways.
Channel 40 is the highway channel, except for the Pacific Highway which is 27 (I think)

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Rip and Rosie


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Don't forget some way to recharge the battery in your phone.

We use the car when travelling, but have a jumpstarter we use when camped. Lots of ways to recharge batteries these days, but you need something.

Our other "safety" measure is NRMA premium cover- and it has paid off.

Oh, and your common sense............................ you can't buy it, but it will keep you safer than anything you can buy in a shop or borrow from a mate.

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Rosie
spice


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Gerty Dancer wrote:

 except for the Pacific Highway which is 27 (I think)

 The UHF channel for the Pacific Highway is 29, Rod



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Gerty Dancer


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spice wrote:
Gerty Dancer wrote:

 except for the Pacific Highway which is 27 (I think)

 The UHF channel for the Pacific Highway is 29, Rod

 Thanks Rod.

Another essential safety item is a good first aid kit, and to know how to use it.



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Evie n Rhys


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Thanks everyone, I knew you would set me straight. Thanks Spida for the vote of confidence, ditto by the way.
I think this exercise is mainly to help the family feel happy with my decision. I'm sure all will be well, I've managed so far with No1 requirement (common sense) and we have all survived.
You all have a great Easter and stay safe on the roads.
Tess

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wendyv


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Your mobile phone must be able to access Telstra 3G network. Once away from the cities this will give you the best chance of phone coverage, but there are still plenty of places with no phone cover.

I have no personal experience of it, but the Spot device mentioned above sounds interesting - worth investigating. An alternative is an EPIRB device for an emergency.

A good CB radio is, in my view, a must. Keeping it tuned on Channel 40, or scanning, will alert you well in advance to the approach of an oversized load (the chat between the truck and its escorts will be heard) and you will then have time to find a suitable place to pull over. On some roads (e.g. where embanked up above surrounding country) this is really important. Some of those big loads are so big you need to be well off the tar to let them pass you. You can also talk to trucks about them passing you, as mentioned above. It does not cost too much to get a decent CB installed in your vehicle. Uniden is a good brand.

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wendyv

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neilnruth


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I used to think that you could dial 112 if you had no coverage with your mobile but having just read the ACMA article on 'Calling emergencies' I see that it won't work. The only way to make a call when there is no mobile coverage is via a satellite phone - and if you are staying on the black top you shouldn't need that. But it is still true that on a mobile you can dial 000 or 112 in an emergency (as long as you have coverage/service).

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NeilnRuth
Cruising Cruze


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First aid kit !!!!!!

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Evie n Rhys


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Thanks to you all, getting myself organized very nicely now.
Tess

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Sheba


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Rip and Rosie wrote:


Oh, and your common sense............................ you can't buy it, but it will keep you safer than anything you can buy in a shop or borrow from a mate.

 You guys beat me to it.  Too true, none-the-less.

Cheers,

Sheba.



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Juniior


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have enjoyed this thread. As a first time solo, some family members are concerned for my safety and so far have what everyone has mentioned. Well First Aid will be done next week! I will be learning to change a wheel with the assistance of a multiplier taution wrench. This item was recommended by an older experienced traveller and well worth the difficulty in finding it in sunny Adelaide. Will let you know if it lives up to its advertising - a 9 y.o. can undo truck nuts! Safe travelling to you all.

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Baz421


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wendyv wrote this previosly,,,

A good CB radio is, in my view, a must. Keeping it tuned on Channel 40, or scanning, will alert you well in advance to the approach of an oversized load (the chat between the truck and its escorts will be heard) and you will then have time to find a suitable place to pull over. On some roads (e.g. where embanked up above surrounding country) this is really important. Some of those big loads are so big you need to be well off the tar to let them pass you. You can also talk to trucks about them passing you, as mentioned above. It does not cost too much to get a decent CB installed in your vehicle.

I agree and we talk to truckies ie wide loads etc, they are great away from capital cities generally.

Here is a map of repaeters for the region you are in in Australia,,, so if you have a problem you can read the frequency/channel off and call.

http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=20581

 



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Sheba


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http://www.hideawaysafe.com.au/ 

Electric wheel nut remover,

http://www.goextra.co.uk/powerwrench/powerwrench.htm



Fire extinguisher

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Fire-Extinguisher-1kg-Home-Vehicle-Metal-Mounting-Bracket.aspx?pid=128750#Cross

 

 



-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 1st of April 2013 08:14:06 PM

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An it harm none, do what you will.
johnq


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Electric wheel nut remover,

http://www.goextra.co.uk/powerwrench/powerwrench.htm

Fire extinguisher

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-Fire-Extinguisher-1kg-Home-Vehicle-Metal-Mounting-Bracket.aspx?pid=128750#Cross

The fire extinguisher is also useful for women to use to deter, or against, an unwelcome intruder. Aim generally at face and let fly,

UHF radio

I have a GME onboard, but the next buy is one of these Aussie GME hand-helds, 3watts, which can do instead of the car mounted version and is flexible - take on your walks (I use those snap lock plastic bags for electronics, weather proof or not),

GME TX-680 80ch. 3W UHF

Car safe

http://www.hideawaysafe.com.au/

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GaryKelly


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And don't forget a fire blanket as well. Smother a small fire before it gets out of control.

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Gary

Ford Courier with Freeway slide-on called "PJ". www.aussieodyssey.com
johnq


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Sheba,
Thanks for converting to links.

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Joga


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If travelling in remote areas - eg anywhere west or north of Port Augusta or west of the Qld coast - ensure you have a REAL spare wheel & tyre.

Mate got caught on the Stuart Hwy with a "phony spare" ("Max 80km Max 250 Km, NOT on front").

The next town/locality may not have a mechanic or any tyres for sale. Had to go nearly 1000Km before he got the tyre replaced!

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Joga
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