thepilbara road safety survival guide

RoadWise. PO Box 1544, West WA 6872 Telephone: (08) 9213 2066 Facsimile: (08) 9321 8378

May 2006 Contents Road Safety: It’s your responsibility

Welcome to the The Pilbara is one of the most beautiful and wondrous places to visit. From the rugged Road Safety Survival Tips coastline to the majesty of the gorges at Remote Trip Planning Karajini National Park, you will be astounded by the rare beauty of the region. Map of the Pilbara Region The people of the Pilbara want you to Road Rules in WA enjoy your visit and to this end have developed this important guide for road Road Signs and What They Mean safety survival in the region. Emergency Contacts Road Safety is your responsibility. This booklet will provide you with basic information on how to reduce your road risks whilst travelling throughout the Pilbara. It is important if you do not understand the information contained in the guide or require further information and advice that you contact the emergency numbers located at the back of this book. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry, so if you are unsure of any circumstance – find out all the details about the situation first, don’t take a risk.

PHOTO INDEX/COL ROBERTS COVER PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTO INDEX/RICHARD WOLDENDORP Road Safety What to do Straying Animals/ Survival Tips if you get bogged Wildlife on Roads

The Pilbara experiences a range of weatherEven the most experienced drivers can Straying livestock and wildlife are often conditions ranging from cyclones to extremeget bogged. Should this happen try the found on roads in the region. Keep alert for dry periods, and off-road remote areas to following actions: animals on or near the road, especially at developed townsites. You can check road• Let some of the air out of your tyres and then dusk and dawn and where possible avoid conditions prior to your journey by phoningtry to drive out. Do not use all your energy travelling at night. If travelling at night – 138 138. The following information is trying to dig the vehicle out of soft sand if reduce your speed and only drive within important and should be applied during the vehicle continues to sink. Conserve as your travels. much energy as possible. If you are unable the range of your headlights. to free the vehicle yourself, use whatever communication means are available to If an animal appears on the road in you to contact others for assistance. Give front of you, brake firmly in a straight line and sound your horn. DO NOT SWERVE Floodways/ accurate position details and advise of what equipment you have with you to use (eg. BUT ENDEAVOUR TO PASS BEHIND Water across Roadway snatch strap etc). W THE ANIMAL. Some roads in the Pilbara are prone to flash If you hit a large animal and it is killed on flooding. Before crossing always check: impact try to remove the carcass from the ait with your vehicle. roadway for the safety of other motorists. • The depth of the water by getting out of INJURED ANIMALS CAN BECOME the vehicle and physically walking the Tyres UNPREDICTABLE AND MAY TRY TO intended crossing. The water should be SCRATCH/BITE. USE CARE WHEN no higher than the bottom of the door on Some of the unsealed roads in the area HANDLING THEM. USE TOWELS, RUGS ETC conventional 2WD vehicles and no higher have very sharp rocks which can easily FOR SMALLER ANIMALS. BE WARY OF THE than the average adult’s knee (when puncture tyres. If you intend to travel on REAR LEGS AND TAIL OF KANGAROOS. standing) on higher 4WD vehicles unsealed roads ensure you have extra tyres, THESE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF • Look for submerged objects tubes and tyre repair kits. It is YOU ARE KICKED OR HIT. recommended that 2 spare tyres be taken. • Test strength of the flow of water • Determine if the water level is rising or falling Unsealed Roads IF IN ANY DOUBT DO NOT CROSS UNTIL YOU ARE SURE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. Many of the roads in the region are unsealed and consist of gravel, What to do if you have rock and sand. THESE SURFACES ARE a crash UNPREDICTABLE AND CAUTION MUST BE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES WHEN Assist any injured. Make the scene safe (i.e. DRIVING ON THESE ROADS. warn approaching drivers). Contact (or • Drive and brake with care have someone contact) Ambulance, Police Salt Flats/Mud Flats • Road surfaces can become very soft, etc if required. If the total damage to all especially after it has been raining and vehicles or property exceeds $1,000 (and Salt flats, whilst they look stable are soil has been compacted. police don’t attend the scene) the crash actually tidal. Do not take 4 wheel drives • The ‘keep left’ rule still applies. Use must be reported to the nearest police or other vehicles onto salt/mud flats as you station without delay. may get bogged. extreme care when approaching crests of hills or curves in the road. • Drive to the conditions. • Drive with headlights on low beam during the day. What to do if you break down

In the event that your vehicle breaks down, the following actions are strongly recommended: • If possible, get your vehicle off the road and onto the verge. If your vehicle obstructs the roadway, place reflectorised markers on the road preceding the vehicle

PHOTO INDEX/RICHARD WOLDENDORP to advise approaching motorists. If no reflectorised markers are available, use the ‘hazard warning lights’ fitted to the vehicle Road Trains/ as well as the park/tail lights. Heavy Vehicles • If you are in a remote area – STAY WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES – Road Trains can be up to 53.5 metres long. • Do not attempt to overtake a heavy do not walk to get help. It is easier to find These vehicles use both sealed and unsealed vehicle just because they indicate to a vehicle rather than a person. roads in the Pilbara. To overtake or pass the right – they may be turning these vehicles keep in mind the following: off the road. • If in mobile phone range ring the appropriate emergency contact. • Only overtake when the road is clear, it may • Do not pull out onto the roadway • To identify your location use the map in this take up to 2.5kms to overtake a road train. in front of a vehicle when you see them approaching – heavy vehicles guide, or if on a major road use the Straight • Ensure the driver of the heavy vehicle is require longer stopping and braking Line Markers (SLK) to ascertain location. aware of your presence prior to attempting distances – it may take more than a These markers are white posts located on to overtake. kilometre to stop and you must allow the road verge. • Proceed with extreme caution at night time. enough distance to avoid a crash. • Allow for slight tail swing from the rear • Avoid overtaking road trains and heavy trailer(s) whilst overtaking. vehicles when towing trailers or caravans • You cannot exceed the speed limit. if possible. • Be prepared for the wind buffet as you pass. • Maintain a safe following distance behind • Always allow the heavy vehicle sufficient large vehicles prior to overtaking. A safe braking distance. following distance can be measured by Communication keeping at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front in dry conditions, and at least Other important information in sharing Mobile phones have a limited range 4 seconds in wet or adverse conditions. the roads with heavy vehicles includes: outside many populated centres. Check • Do not attempt to overtake a heavy Be patient when following oversize vehicleswith your service provider as to what areas vehicle at an intersection. These vehicles which may be under the control of Policeyour phone will operate. It is worth noting often require two (or more) lanes to or private escort. Do not attempt to that many hills in the Pilbara region have a turn a corner. overtake these vehicles unless directed highto concentration of metal ore. This may do so by the driver of the rear escort affect reception and range even if you are vehicle. When overtaking, do so with carewell within the service area. and overtake both the rear escort vehicleIn Western it is illegal to use a and the oversize load as swiftly as possible.hand held mobile phone whilst driving. Some organisations (such as RFDS) hire satellite phones for travellers going to remote areas. Remote Trip Planning Towing

Before you begin your journey in remote Have your vehicle thoroughly checked • The weight of the trailer/caravan areas, check road conditions. ALWAYS before leaving and ensure that you have: should be within the safety limits INFORM A RESPONSIBLE PERSON OF of the car. Add 200kg to the weight YOUR PLANNED JOURNEY AND • Sufficient fuel shown on the vehicle license paper ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL. When you •Oil to allow for bedding, travelling gear, have safely arrived, remember to let that • Water stores and equipment. person know. Do this for every leg of your • Emergency equipment • The legal speed limit outside a built up trip. • First Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher area (unless otherwise sign-posted) for a • Know the limitations of the vehicle you are vehicle with a trailer or caravan attached is driving and your own capabilities. A 4WD If you plan on travelling into remote parts 100km/h. cannot go everywhere. Don’t get yourself of the Pilbara, it may be worth considering• If your car and caravan is more than into a situation that you or your vehicle obtaining an Electronic Position Indicator 7.5 metres in length, you are required to cannot handle. Radio Beacon (EPIRB). keep at least 200 metres behind any similar • 4WD vehicles have a higher centre of gravity These devices will provide a rapid and car/caravan or long vehicle on all roads than conventional vehicles. This can lead to direct response by authorities to your outside built up areas unless you are the vehicle rolling over easier than you may location in the event of an emergency or if overtaking. realise. Use extreme care when negotiating you become lost or stranded. If you decide• Pull over at regular intervals to allow other steep inclines or uneven ground. to carry an EPIRB with you, there are some vehicles to pass safely. • Do not take 2WD vehicles on tracks important points to note. signposted or mapped for 4WD’s only. • Make sure the device cannot be • Most 4WD tracks are not suitable for accidentally activated by either rolling caravans and trailers due to sand hills etc. around within the vehicle or by children – Check with the local Tourist Bureau before STOW IT SAFELY AND SECURELY. leaving town. • An EPIRB must only be used when there • Fuel (especially unleaded/lead replacement is no other form of communication and LPG) is not always available in some available to advise of your situation. remote areas. Check with local fuel There are penalties in place for misuse. distributors or the tourist information If the situation requires the use of the EPIRB service before departure. Allow for a safe remember the golden rule of survival in the reserve supply when planning your trip. outback: STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL • Obtain a current and accurate map for the HELP ARRIVES. area you intend to travel and know how to read it. • Allow for approximately 9 litres of water per adult per day. Take enough extra to last 2-3 days past your intended travel time. Y W H THERN NOR GREAT

Yule

West Peawah Indee Karratha – Port Hedland

235km Pilbara Iron Miaree Pool Private R Karratha – Dampier Sherlook River 20km Karratha – Pannawonica oad 198km

G Karratha – Roebourne R E A 40km T Roebourne – Port Hedland 202km South Hedland – Port Hedland 13km Pilbara Iron Bea Bea Private Road Port Hedland – Marble Bar (via Route 138) 219km Port Hedland – Newman (via Great Northern H’way) 456km

Karratha – Tom Price Munjina Gorge East (via Nanutarra Roadhouse)

N 528km O R T Paraburdoo – Tom Price Ashburton River H Y E W H R 89km N

Barradale Tom Price – Newman TAL AS 276km CO Marble Bar – Nullagine Mount Robinson H 112km IGH W A T Y S E W

H T R O N Lyndon River (NWCH) Lyndon River (Minilya - Exmouth Rd)

24 hr stop areas

This map is intended to be used as a guide only. the If you intend to travel into remote areas or on unsealed roads, it is strongly recommended that you obtain a current, detailed map of the region® Touring (such Map).as the Pilbara Street Smart There are numerouspilbara floodways and water crossings in the Pilbara. These can be encountered on major roads as well as secondary and unsealed ones. Always check the road condition reports for the area in which you plan to travel before you leave. roadIn addition safetyto the phone numbers listed in the back of this booklet, the numbers listed below may be helpful to you: survivalNational Parks guide – Pilbara Regional Headquarters (08) 9143 1488 National Park Rangers Karijini (08) 9189 8157 Millstream (08) 9184 5144 Aboriginal Land/ Private Property

• Always respect private property • Get permission to travel on roads which belong to mining companies and station owners • A permit is required to travel on roads over Aboriginal land. Contact the Department of Indigenous Affairs or local Tourist Centre for further information.

Mining Company Roads PHOTO INDEX/BILL BACHMAN A permit is required to travel on the Pilbara Iron Access Road between Karratha and Cyclones Tom Price. This road has speed restrictions and other requirements which will be Cyclones are severe tropical low-pressure • FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF POLICE, explained on obtaining the permit. systems that form off the coast then, at times, STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL, cross over land. The Pilbara experiences on MAIN ROADS WA STAFF, THE PARK To arrange the issue of a permit contact the average 3-4 cyclones each season – usually OPERATOR/MOTEL STAFF OR OTHER Karratha or Tom Price Tourist Bureau on the between the months of November to April. AUTHORISED PERSONS UNTIL THE phone numbers listed in the back of this These storms can bring with them extremely SITUATION IS DECLARED SAFE. booklet. high winds and heavy rain. Do not travel on any road clearly displaying Warning system “No Entry” signs without first contacting the Widespread damage can result if proper (stages of the approaching cyclone) Mining Company concerned. precautions are not followed. If you are travelling within this region during the Blue Alert – a cyclone has formed and may cyclone season you must be aware of the affect the area within 48 hours. following: Yellow Alert – the cyclone is moving closer • If you are staying at a caravan park check to the area and you should take action. to see if they have suitable ‘tie-downs’ to Red Alert – a cyclone is imminent. You anchor your caravan securely throughout should seek shelter. the cyclone. • What equipment (if any) they may be able If you wish to obtain further information to supply (eg. rope, ratchet devices, etc). regarding cyclones please contact the local State Emergency Service office on the • Always carry a battery-powered portable number shown at the back of this booklet. radio to monitor warnings. Road Rules Road signs used throughout KEEP LEFT SEAT BELTS All traffic on two lane roads within All drivers and passengers travelling on Western Australia travels on the left of Western Australian roads are required to the carriageway. wear seat belts unless in possession REGULATORYof a SIGNS SPEED LIMITS medical exemption. Ensure all vehicle These signs are usually black/red on Outside towns and cities, unless otherwise occupants are wearing seat belts even 60 sign posted, the maximum speed limit when travelling on remote bush tracks whitefor background with parking signs allowed in Western Australia is 110km/h. their own safety. Infants under 12 monthsshown in green. Penalties range from $50 to $350 for of age must be placed in an approvedThe signs MUST BE COMPLIED WITH, as NO speeding offences. It is worth noting that at child restraint – the normal vehicle seat 110km/h it takes on average 95 metres to they are requirements under the law. LEFT stop if you are driving a normal family sedan. belt is not acceptable. It is also illegal to TURN 10 travel in the open load space of a ute or Your speed must be reduced when panel van. travelling on unsealed roads or in adverse weather conditions. Drive to the conditions ALCOHOL at ALL times. If you plan on drinking – don’t drive! A DRIVER’S LICENCE driver must not have a blood alcohol level If you are an interstate or overseas visitor you concentration (BAC) equal to or exceeding must carry your home state/country driver’s 0.05% if they are the holder of a full licence with you at all times when driving. (unconditional) licence. If you are goingWARNING/ADVISORY to SIGNS NIGHT DRIVING drink and drive, there are some laws thatThese you signs are usually black on a yellow You are required to travel with headlights need to know. A probationary licence background. They indicate hazards ahead. holder must not equal or exceed 0.02%. illuminated (not park lights) between the You should adjust your driving (speed etc) Police conduct regular patrols throughout hours of sunset and sunrise the following accordingly and be prepared for what day. You are required to dip your headlights this region and can test a driver at random from high beam to low beam under the for alcohol consumption BAC anywhere isand ahead. following circumstances: anytime. BAC is the amount of alcohol When these signs indicate a suggested • A vehicle is approaching and present in the blood, measured in gramsspeed, per the speed is set for DRY conditions 100 milliltres of blood. is within 200 metres — lower your approach speed slightly • The approaching vehicle dips their FATIGUE more if the road surface is wet. headlights (regardless of distance) • You are following a vehicle and are within One of the most common causes of crashes 200 metres throughout the Pilbara is also the most It is recommended that you use headlights avoidable – fatigue. Plan your trip to include even when travelling during daylight hours to regular rest stops (at least every 2 hours) make yourself more visible to other traffic. and take water to drink along the way. Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue. ROAD CLOSURES Try to avoid driving at night and especially Motorists must not use the road beyond a when you would normally be sleeping. road closure sign. Your vehicle will not be Swap drivers if possible but most covered by insurance if you put in a claim ROAD WORK TRAFFIC for damage that occurred on a closed importantly, if you are feeling tired get section of road. You can also be fined up to off the road safely and rest. Areas alongMANAGEMENT SIGNS $200 under the Main Roads Act and local main roads suitable for 24 hour camping Shire bylaws for driving on roads that are stop-overs are shown on the map in theAuthorities working on or near the road use signed closed. centre of this guide these signs. They are in place for the safety of the workers and passing traffic. Some of these signs are REGULATORY and others are to advise of hazards in the area. ALL speed signs in the work zone MUST be complied with. Important Phone Numbers

DAMPIER MARBLE BAR PARABURDOO PORT HEDLAND (CONT)

POLICE 08 9183 1144 TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE SERVICE STATIONS Halse Road 08 9176 1166 Caravan Park Camp Road 08 9189 5374 SEA RESCUE 08 9183 1248 Caltex Roadhouse POLICE 08 9176 1005 POLICE 08 9189 5044 South Hedland 08 9172 1068 SMALL BOAT WEATHER BP Service Station Port Hedland 08 9173 1081 FORECAST 08 9159 6567 AMBULANCE 08 9176 1001 AMBULANCE Hamersley Iron 08 9143 4223 BP Service Station SERVICE STATIONS HOSPITAL South Hedland 08 9172 1680 Shell 08 9183 1146 Nursing Post 08 9176 1001 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE BP Depot Wedgefield 08 9140 1244 Royal Flying Doctor (Tom Price) 08 9189 1712 Shell Roadhouse South Hedland 08 9172 3239 Service (Emergency Only) 1800 625 800 KARRATHA HOSPITALS Shell Service Station Port Hedland 08 9173 1146 FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE Paraburdoo TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE District Hospital 08 9159 8222 BP Truckstop Airport 08 9140 1233 EMERGENCY only 000 Karratha Road 08 9144 4600 FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE www.pilbara.comSERVICE STATIONS EMERGENCY only 000 Caltex 08 9176 1166 POLICE 08 9144 2233 Marble Bar Garage 08 9176 1041 SERVICE STATION SHIRE OFFICE 08 9158 9300 AMBULANCE 08 9185 1222 Shell Roadhouse 08 9189 5382 SHIRE OFFICE 08 9175 1924 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE SHIRE OFFICE 08 9189 1029 ROEBOURNE 08 9144 1848 NEWMAN TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE HOSPITALS PORT HEDLAND Old Gaol Queen Street 08 9182 1060 Nickol Bay Hospital 08 9143 2333 TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Cnr Fortescue Ave TOURIST BUREAU POLICE 08 9182 1133 FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE & Newman Drive 08 9175 2888 Wedge Street 08 9173 1711 EMERGENCY only 000 AMBULANCE 08 9182 1004 POLICE 08 9175 4000 POLICE STATIONS SERVICE STATIONS South Hedland 08 9172 1444 FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE Caltex 08 9144 2100 AMBULANCE 08 9175 1111 EMERGENCY only 000 BP Karratha 08 9185 1833 AMBULANCE 08 9172 1333 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE SERVICE STATIONS Shell Service Station 08 9144 1064 08 9175 1686 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE BP Roebourne 08 9182 1234 08 9173 1720 SHIRE OFFICE 08 9186 8555 HOSPITALS SHIRE OFFICE 08 9186 8555 FIRE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING Newman Hospital 08 9175 1501 Port Hedland 08 9173 1118 SES (WICKHAM) 08 9187 1800 AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE South Hedland 08 9172 3176 08 9185 6100 EMERGENCY only 000 HOSPITAL 08 9158 1666 SERVICE STATIONS Capricorn Roadhouse 08 9175 1535 FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE Unparalled Service Station08 9175 1570 EMERGENCY only 000 BP Whaleback 08 9177 8023 SEA RESCUE 08 9173 1444 BP Newman 08 9175 1521

SHIRE OFFICE 08 9175 1924

“Slow down and enjoy the trip” “Always wear seat belts” Important Phone Numbers (cont)

TOM PRICE OTHER ROADHOUSES Feedback Form TOURIST BUREAU RETURN THIS FORM NOW AND Central Road 08 9188 1112 RECIEVE A FREE GIFT! POLICE 08 9189 1344 Please help us improve this guide for future years. AMBULANCE We would be very grateful if you could take the time to complete this short questionnaire, tear off and Hamersley Iron return to us upon the completion of your trip. Security Gate 000 1. How did you obtain a copy of this guide? (tick one) HOSPITALS Tom Price 08 9159 5222 Minilya Roadhouse 08 9942 5922 Tourist Bureau/information Service Station FortescueONSLOW Roadhouse 08 9184 5126 FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE Police Station Shire Office Pardoo Roadhouse 08 9176 4916 Tourist brochure Hire car EMERGENCY only 000 POLICESandfire Roadhouse08 9184 600008 9176 5944 Website Other:______AMBULANCENanutarra Roadhouse 00008 9943 0521 SERVICE STATIONS Nullagine Roadhouse 08 9176 2012 Shell Roadhouse 08 9189 1301 FIRE ENQUIRIESAuski Tourist08 Village 9184 6624/000 2. How useful was this guide? (tick one) Caravan Park 08 9189 1515 Munjina 08 9176 6988 Very useful Not very useful NULLAGINE Useful Not at all useful SHIRE OFFICE 08 9189 1029 POLICE 08 9176 2011 3. Tick the sections you have found useful. AMBULANCE 000 WICKHAM Road Safety Survival Road Trains NURSING POST 08 9176 2010 Floodways Speed TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Mud Flats Overtaking Old Gaol Queen Street ROADWISE What to do if you get bogged Towing ROEBOURNE 08 9182 1060 Tyres Road Rules ROADWISE www.roadwise.asn.au POLICE 08 9187 1444 Unsealed roads Contact Numbers Straying Animals Road Signs AMBULANCE 08 9187 1405 MAIN ROADS

HOSPITALS WESTERN AUSRALIA 4. Do you have any suggestions or comments about this guide? Wickham Health Centre 08 9187 3200 PILBARA 08 9172 8877 FOR POLICE-FIRE-AMBULANCE ______ROAD CONDITION REPORT EMERGENCY only 000 ______(STATEWIDE) 138 138 ______SERVICE STATION www.mainroads.gov.au BP Wickham 08 9187 For1340 local authority road conditions Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Please return your contact the local shire office completed questionnaire to: SHIRE OFFICE 08 9186 8555 TO REPORT ROAD HAZARDS SES 08 9187 1800 RoadWise Officer 1800 800 009 C/- Town of Port Hedland PANNAWONICA PO Box 41 OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES Port Hedland WA 6722 www.rac.com POLICE 08 9184 1222 www.westernaustralia.com Please fill in your name and address below to receive your free gift: AMBULANCE 000 www.officeofroadsafety.wa.gov.au SERVICE STATION 08 9184 1017 NAME:______* Please Note: Emergency Call number from a mobile phone is 112 ADDRESS:______POSTCODE:______

“Beat fatigue - take a rest stop” Ê