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Driver Fatigue (being tired) is a risk to your Health and Safety and to the General Public.

Being able to see and understand the signs of Fatigue can help you to decide if it is Safe for you to Drive.

Signs of Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is more likely to occur at night. Some signs of Fatigue are: 

  • Wanting things done quickly (or having a short temper)
  • Poor concentration
  • Difficulty remembering periods of time when driving
  • Poor control when driving
  • Difficulty in maintaining steady speed
  • Drifting outside of your lane
  • Not being able to see clearly
  • Having blurred vision
  • Sore or heavy eyes
  • Difficulty keeping your eyes open and on the road
  • Frequent yawning
  • Falling asleep
  • Not feeling refreshed after sleep
  • The need for more sleep during your breaks from driving
  • Fidgeting
  • Stretching
  • Stiff Muscles

Stop Driving immediately if you find any of the above affecting you. 

These are often indications of having a Micro Sleep, which are very short periods of sleep you may not even be aware of.  

The only real way to treat Fatigue
is to sleep.

Fatigue Management

The only real way to treat Fatigue is to Sleep.

Aim to get at least seven and a half hours of quality (uninterrupted) sleep each day or night.  

Make sure you get out of the vehicle and have a Break every two hours. Even if it’s only for ten minutes, this helps manage Fatigue.  

You should also drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated as this will help to keep you aware and thinking clearly.  

To help manage Driver Fatigue, follow these Management Guidelines.  

For Atagalong Contractors or Employee’s these include:  

Maximum working hours (including breaks) in a 24 hour period is 12 hours  

Minimum break between shifts is 10 hours  

Make sure you get a decent sleep before your shift starts, especially if you are changing from day shift to afternoon or night shifts. 

FAQs

Refunds

All tour deposits are held in a Trust Account and are fully refundable should Covid-19 disrupt tours or tour participants.                                        

What Type of Vehicle is suitable for a Tour.

Any 4WD vehicle that has reasonable ground clearance, along with a high/low Range Transfer Case. Note:  All wheel drive vehicles will not be accepted on any tour.       

Do I need to modify my Four Wheel Drive Vehicle?

For your safety and ours we ask you to install rated Recovery Points on the front using High Tensile Rated Bolts to secure the Recovery Points. A rear rated Recovery Point must be carried to insert into your Tow Bar with Rated Shackles. They are not expensive to purchase and are easy to install.

**Note Tie Down Points are not rated Recovery Points and can break, potentially causing personal injury and damage to another vehicle. All 4×4 vehicles should have installed in them these Rated Recovery Points. “Safety” It simply is common sense!** 

If your vehicle is in good condition, we simply advise you to have it serviced and inspected by a reliable 4×4 expert Mechanical Business. Explain to them the trip your about to undertake and ask them to pay particular attention to your vehicle’s suspension. Pack your vehicle correctly (not overloaded) and your standard suspension should be more than adequate.

Please ensure you have a minimum of 60% tread on all of your tyres as a minimum. Please carry two spare tyres (if possible) on rims. Tyres must be All Terrain Tyres not the standard issue fitted from the vehicle manufacturer 

Please refer to Tour Preparations.

What happens if my Vehicle breaks down?

We do our best to get you going again and will contact our 4×4 Specialist via Satellite Phone for advice if required. Should we not be able to get you going, then we will get you to a safe place and help with arranging a recovery. In the Insurance Marketplace there are companies offering recovery policies.

We have never been remote Four Wheel Driving

Our tour guide is right there to assist you in any given situation where practicable.

Approximately how long is each Day?

We like to depart camp by 8:30am, we will stop for morning tea and lunch. We will stop at points of interest throughout the day and we aim to set up camp with plenty of time for you to relax before sunset pending our location.  

What is Bush Camping?

Bush camping is just that, out with nature in the bush. Depending on the tour destination, we may be able to camp in a location that has long drop toilets for example. However generally we are out in the bush with no facilities.

What if I get sick?

We are equipped with a Satellite Phone to contact RFDS or any other Emergency Responder. We are trained First Aiders, and carry an Emergency First Aid Kit that includes a Heart Defibrillator and Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine. We do hope you will be in perfect Health prior to departure.

Do we pay for lots of extras?

Our tours are as Advertised, any Activity outside our listed Brochure is at your own expense.

What happens if it Rains?

Weather events can disrupt tours due to park closures, road & track closures. Atagalong Tours reserves the right to change routes, tours or tour dates due to weather events, or any other events or any other factors outside its control. 

What happens if State Borders are closed?

State Border closures due to any Public Health issue may affect tours that cross over State Borders. Atagalong Tours reserves the right to change routes, tours or tour dates due to Border closures beyond its control. 

How do I make a Booking?

Simply Book Online here, call us, Email directly on info@atagalongtours.com.au or send us an Enquiry via the contact us Form.