Travelling the open road in a caravan is a quintessential Australian dream.

Caravanning offers the freedom to explore the vast and beautiful landscapes of Australia, all while having the necessities of a home.

However, this dream could quickly turn into a nightmare, as one unfortunate driver recently discovered.

An incident in Picton should serve as a warning to all caravan owners and Aussies who own high vehicles.

A driver collided with a low-clearance beam while navigating under a bridge on Lumsdaine Street.

The accident took place at around 8 am on a busy day and led to a 'completely destroyed' caravan.

The caravan suffered massive damage after passing through a low-clearance beam. Image Credit: Fire and Rescue NSW

According to the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) report, there were no casualties in the accident.

However, images released of the aftermath showed a scene of devastation, with the caravan irreparably damaged.

The FRNSW Picton brigade immediately secured the scene by isolating the caravan's gas supply and clearing debris on the road.

FRNSW emphasised that drivers, especially those towing caravans or other large loads, have to be cautious when navigating under bridges or structures with clearance limits.

They also urged motorists not to rely solely on GPS navigation systems.

While incredibly helpful when navigating roads, GPS navigation systems may not take a vehicle's height into account.

This lack of inclusion could lead to disastrous outcomes, especially for caravans.

Several social media users echoed FRNSW's advice.

'Maps is the problem; it always tells you to go over the bridge,' a comment read.

'If they're not local, this can happen. Especially in peak times, it's hard to reverse back and turn around.'

'Expensive mistake. Although they are not the first person to do it and won't be the last,' another wrote.

'As long as the occupants weren't hurt, things can be replaced.'

As people continue to enjoy the caravan life, this incident should be a reminder always to be prepared.

Before setting off on an adventure, always check the height of your caravan and plan routes to avoid low-clearance bridges and structures.

It's also wise to keep an eye out for signage indicating height restrictions and to have alternative routes.

Key Takeaways

• A caravan was completely destroyed after striking a low-clearance beam in Picton, Sydney's southwest, with Fire and Rescue NSW responding to the incident.
• The incident had no casualties, but the caravan suffered significant damage.
• FRNSW urged drivers, particularly those with caravans, to always know their vehicle's height and to navigate carefully under bridges.
• FRNSW also advised not to rely solely on GPS for navigation, as it may not take vehicle height into account.

Have you ever encountered a similar situation while caravanning? Do you have advice for fellow travellers on how to avoid these costly mistakes? Share them with us in the comments section below!

 

[Scoobydoo]

I measured the height, including air cond., solar etc and wrote it down and stuck it near my instrument panel. Always made me look twice at signs and no guessing.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Ha ha ha! What a goose!

 

[Da Freddo]

Ha ha ha! What a goose!

NO, don't believe that for a minute.
A Goose's feet would never reach the pedals, legs are way too short.

 

[Catherines]

Truckies & semi drivers are legally compelled to measure/know the full height of the vehicle and/or trailer they use on our roads. I believe they also have to only use roads that have no specific height restrictions. Getting stuck is their fault & possibly results in huge monetary fines & repairs to any road or bridge structures they damage if they do not comply with this height knowledge. Not very easy on the pocket!

In this case it was not the car’s height but the item it was towing. Why should height rules be any different for a caravan or motorhome driver?

 

[magpie1]

How damn stupid, driving with a load so much higher than the vehicle, without knowing it's height and whether you can safely drive under a bridge structure. Expensive education and would be surprised as to what his insurance company said about it.

 

[Veggiepatch]

NO, don't believe that for a minute.
A Goose's feet would never reach the pedals, legs are way too short.

You have a point there....

Maybe an ostrich?

 

[Veggiepatch]

In this case it was not the car’s height but the item it was towing. Why should height rules be any different for a caravan or motorhome driver?

Not at all!

 

[deni67]

How heartbreaking, but yes, it was the drivers fault and I doubt his insurance company would have coughed up.

 

[Nantes]

Ahhhhh, The Montague Street Bridge in South Melbourne. I think it has had more hits than Mike Tyson. Once a truckie that carried containers.

 

[marni]

I certainly would not have expected better from some of these unsympathetic morons. Obviously never made a mistake in their lives, or think not. Some empathy would go a long way but having read their previous posts, their character shines through

 

[Veggiepatch]

I certainly would not have expected better from some of these unsympathetic morons. Obviously never made a mistake in their lives, or think not. Some empathy would go a long way but having read their previous posts, their character shines through

Do you have empathy for a person who has absolutely no idea on how to drive?

It should be mandatory for drivers, after regaining their suspended licence, people like this should be made to display a "D" plate for the rest of their driving days - "D" for "DUMB". Or "DANGER". Or "DICKHEAD"....