ON THE ROAD
If you ’ ve booked your holiday site in advance , there really is no need to hurry to get to your destination . In rainy weather , slow down and give yourself every opportunity to safely avoid any traffic hazards .
I like to assume that every other driver around me is an idiot and I drive accordingly . Start by looking well ahead at the traffic in front of you . If you see brake lights on the vehicle ahead of you , you ’ ll have the opportunity to slow down well before you come close to them .
It ’ s also a very good idea to regularly check your rearview mirrors and keep an eye on anyone who may be driving next to you in the other lanes . If you need to take evasive action because of a sudden incident ahead , you don ’ t want to be sideswiping any vehicles beside you .
And please , remember the golden rule : if it ’ s flooded , forget it . Do not drive through flood waters unless you have been given specific directions to do so by a police officer or road maintenance worker . Many outback roads that are subject to flooding will have signs indicating if they are open or closed to traffic . Some may be open to 4WDs and high-clearance vehicles only .
Do not attempt to traverse these roads unless you are absolutely confident your rig will make it . If in doubt , wait it out .
AT THE CAMPSITE
If you have an awning , it ’ s a good idea to erect it so you have a dry shelter near your caravan or motorhome . Be sure to set it up with one side slightly lower than the other so that any rainwater can flow off it .
If you have awning rafters , use them as well . We have seen plenty of awnings that have been damaged after collecting a great volume of water . Make sure you tie down your awning with guy ropes or straps to lessen the chance of it being blown away in the wind . Be careful not to overtighten these straps . They need only be just taut to hold down the awning effectively .
Many RVs were flooded during this particular storm .
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