If the answer is yes or you are intending to visit sand regions like the Simpson Desert, Cape York or other sandy places then these tips will be of great benefit to you.

We often hear of misadventures spoiling holidays or at least causing disharmony or delays in arriving at campsites late or not at all.

So, if a few simple rules are followed these problems can be reduced or eliminated altogether.

The rules are:

• Before you arrive on the sand or at least, as soon as you hit the sand, deflate your tyres to increase the length of the tyre tread on the soft surface
• Spend a few minutes checking the conditions to see if the sand is soft or hard, the tide is high or low and drive to conditions.
• Select low range, if your vehicle has low range, and try your vehicle’s capability in those particular conditions.
• Drive smoothly and avoid sharp turns and hard maneuvers.
• Keep below the speed limit of 80KPH on beaches.
• Follow all road rules even in the bush or on the beach.
• Read the terrain ahead so that you approach obstacles with caution.
• Concentrate on driving and not sightseeing.
• If your tyres are deflated and the going is still difficult, deflate again.
• Be prepared: carry good maps, recovery gear, water, a first aid kit and a UHF radio.
• Before you attempt your first beach or outback expedition undertake a half or one day
  Global 4wd basic driver training course.

Written by Ralph Martell

Driver trainer for 17 years and veteran of countless outback expeditions.