The Horizons by RAC podcast puts a WA-focus on a range of issues impacting how we live, work and travel around our cities and towns, from the cost of motoring to the new technologies and social trends that are shaping our future.
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One Wrong Step: injured and trapped in the Stirling Ranges, an RAC Rescue story
Friday, December 19, 2025 • Duration 44:18
Hikers Robyn and Patrick share a firsthand account of a multi-day hike along the Stirling Range ridge that took an unexpected turn. One small misstep led to an injury that saw Robyn onboard RAC Rescue, they join us to share their story.
The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Guests: Robyn Boulet and Patrick Carter – hikers from Perth, Western Australia
00:00 Introduction
01:12 Training and Preparation for the "Half Ridge" Hike
05:53 The Weight of a Hiker's Pack: What to Carry
07:35 The "Snap": Robyn Describes Her Horrific Ankle Injury
10:07 Emergency First Aid and Stabilising the Injury
15:57 The Mental Game: Using Box Breathing to Stay Calm
20:25 The Rescue: The Crew Arrive
39:56 Lessons Learned: Why You Should Never Underestimate the Ridge
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If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family. Find us online: Website: https://rac.com.au/horizons
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@horizonsrac
Instagram: www.instagram.com/racwa
Facebook: www.facebook.com/racwa
Legal disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
What's the future of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in WA? We talk to Hyundai's Senior Manager of Future Mobility
Season 1 · Episode 15
Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 01:01:09
As Western Australia transitions toward cleaner transport, EVs continue to dominate the conversation. But according to Hyundai’s Senior Manager of Future Mobility, Scott Nargar, the road ahead won’t be powered by a single technology. Hydrogen is likely to play a crucial complementary role, particularly in a country as vast and freight-reliant as ours.
Guest:
Scott Nargar, Hyundai Motor Company Australia - Senior Manager of Future Mobility and Government Relations
00:00 Introduction to Hydrogen Vehicles
00:39 Hydrogen's Potential in Australia's Transport
01:52 Understanding Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
05:31 Current Market and Infrastructure Challenges
08:49 Hydrogen vs. Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis
16:23 Safety and Public Perception of Hydrogen Vehicles
18:36 Hydrogen's Role in WA and Future Prospects
25:10 Collaborative Efforts and Infrastructure Development
30:18 Redundancy in Hydrogen Infrastructure
33:11 Modular and Scalable Hydrogen Stations
36:14 Hyundai NEXO: The Flagship Hydrogen Vehicle
38:56 Hydrogen Vehicles in Government and Industry
44:50 Hydrogen Society and Future Prospects
48:35 Government Support and Policy for Hydrogen
51:08 Future of Hydrogen and EVs in Australia
56:04 Conclusion and Industry Evolution
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If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
Ex-SAS Officer’s Outback Survival Guide: Critical Tips for 4WDers and Hikers in WA
Season 1 · Episode 14
Monday, November 24, 2025 • Duration 01:09:56
Western Australia is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors, our diverse beauty, rugged landscape and isolated coastlines are unmatched. But it’s also most unforgiving.
The heat can cripple you within hours, help can be hundreds of kilometres away and poor preparation is the number one cause of preventable emergencies.
So, what should you do if you find yourself stranded or lost?
To help answer these questions, on this episode of the Horizons by RAC podcast we’re joined by Terry Hewett, former Special Forces Soldier, Order of Australia medal recipient, and founder of Adventure Out Australia.
00:00 Introduction to Western Australia's Wilderness
00:37 Meet Terry Hewett: Survival Expert
01:01 The Allure of Remote Places
04:04 Lessons from the Elders
06:44 From Military to Survival Instructor
08:52 Understanding Bushcraft vs. Survival
14:50 The Importance of Preparation
18:24 Water and Survival in Harsh Environments
26:28 Fire: A Key Survival Skill
29:00 Visibility and Rescue Techniques
33:44 Lessons from the Military
34:21 Planning Your First Off-Road Trip
37:20 Common Mistakes in Off-Roading
46:24 The Importance of Staying with Your Vehicle
50:11 Hiking in Remote Areas
01:02:23 The Appeal of Bushcraft and Survival Skills
01:07:14 Final Thoughts and Advice
Diabetes, Awareness and Fatigue | How Your Sleep Affects More Than Just Your Driving
Season 1 · Episode 13
Monday, November 10, 2025 • Duration 54:32
Driver fatigue is a term often associated with those spending long hours behind the wheel, such as drivers in the freight industry and those undertaking long road trips, whether for leisure or work.
But driving a vehicle while impacted by sleep loss is a much wider issue in the community, including over short distances.
The Sleep Health Foundation estimates that more than half of Australian adults are suffering from at least one chronic sleep symptom. And almost half (48%) of all Australian adults report at least two sleep-related problems according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
It follows that the number of drivers on our roads who are operating a vehicle while affected by sleep loss must also be high.
To talk through the impacts of poor-quality and inadequate sleep on those operating a vehicle, we spoke with Dr Nicholas Mabbott, Director of Beyond Midnight Consulting with over 25 years’ experience in sleep and fatigue management.
00:00 Understanding Driver Fatigue
00:51 The Importance of Quality Sleep
01:02 The Science Behind Sleep Cycles
01:52 The Impact of Poor Sleep on Health
02:44 Strategies for Better Sleep
05:57 The Role of Melatonin and Body Clock
14:15 Driving and Sleep Deprivation
Forgetting kids and pets in cars: how it happens and how to prevent it
Season 1 · Episode 12
Monday, October 13, 2025 • Duration 34:07
We’re in our cars every day — to work, school, the shops — and most of the time, we don’t even think about getting there. Our minds switch to autopilot.
But sometimes, all it takes is a moment’s distraction or a break in routine, and that autopilot can short-circuit leading to a child or pet being left behind in the car. And when it’s hot, the temperature inside a vehicle can double in minutes, with devastating consequences.
It’s not as uncommon as you might think. Here in WA, RAC Roadside Assistance rescued 585 children and pets from locked cars this past year. And it’s not just kids and animals — some adults have had to be rescued too, after accidentally locking themselves inside their vehicle.
To shed some light on why this happens, and what’s being done to prevent it, we chatted to Professor Warren Mansell from Curtin University, and RAC Roadside Patrol Mark Dring, who’s seen these rescues firsthand.
00:00 The Reality of Leaving Kids and Pets in Cars
01:00 Why Do We Forget?
01:26 The Brain's Automation and Everyday Life
04:12 Real-Life Rescue Examples
07:23 How Quickly Cars Heat Up
10:39 Preventing Lock-Ins
25:52 How Technology and Routine can Help
32:53 What to Do if You See a Child or Pet Locked in a Car
Guests
Warren Mansell – Professor of Mental Health, Curtin University
Mark Dring – RAC Roadside Patrol
How do WA's new AI-powered road safety cameras work?
Season 1 · Episode 11
Monday, September 15, 2025 • Duration 40:08
From illegal mobile phone use and unrestrained kids to spot speeding, unlicensed vehicles, even caravans pushing past the 100km limit — Western Australia’s new road safety cameras are watching it all.
Rolled out in January this year and powered by the latest AI technology, they’ve already snapped more than 275,000 drivers doing the wrong thing.
In this episode, we sit down with the WA Road Safety Commission's Acting Director of Innovation and Technology, Matthew Samson, to break down how the technology works and what trends are emerging since the rollout.
From 8 October, fines and demerit points will apply for mobile phone, seatbelt and speeding offences detected by the new safety cameras.
Any money from the fines from these new cameras will be spent on improving road safety through the Road Trauma Trust Account.
(0:00) Introduction to WA's New Road Safety Cameras
(0:47) Types of Road Safety Cameras
(1:47) Multifunction Trailers and Freeway Units
(7:08) AI Technology in Road Safety
(8:16) Still Checked by Humans
(10:57) Common Offences Detected by the Cameras
(17:41) Unusual and Dangerous Behaviour on the Road
(20:25) Public Awareness and Behaviour Changes
(22:49) Fines and Penalties
(24:27) Camera Locations and Deployment
WA's road toll deaths are the highest they've been in a decade - why and what can we do about it?
Season 1 · Episode 10
Monday, September 1, 2025 • Duration 01:09:28
In July 2025, six people lost their lives in separate crashes in Western Australia all within a 48-hour period.
In 2024, there were 188 fatalities on WA roads, which was recorded as the worst year in nearly a decade, with 30 more deaths than in 2023.
For some years now WA has had one of the worst road fatality rates of any State. On average over the 2020 to 2024 period, three people were killed every week due to road trauma.
To help us unpack what’s been happening on WA roads, we spoke with Professor Teresa Senserrick, Director of the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research, and Dr Matthew (Tepi) Mclaughlin, Adjunct Research Fellow in the School of Human Sciences at the University of Western Australia.
00:00 Introduction to WA Road Fatalities
00:37 Expert Insights on Road Safety
01:20 Current Trends and Statistics
02:56 Factors Contributing to High Fatality Rates
04:04 Impact of Urban Sprawl and Car Dependency
04:45 Potential Solutions and Road Design
13:29 Behavioural Factors and Speeding
21:16 Cultural Aspects of Driving in WA
32:07 Public Health Insights
32:57 The Impact of Disinformation on Policy Support
33:21 Addressing Vulnerable Road Users
35:07 Pedestrian Safety and Infrastructure Challenges
38:31 Vehicle Choices and Road Safety
43:14 The Safe System Approach to Road Safety
Surfer rescued at sea days before his first child was born, an RAC Rescue Helicopter survivor story
Season 1 · Episode 9
Thursday, August 21, 2025 • Duration 35:03
Days before his daughter was born, surfer Greg Robbins had a freak ocean accident that saw him onboard RAC Rescue. Greg joins us to recount his story.
The RAC Rescue helicopters are sponsored by RAC, funded by the State Government and managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
Guest: Greg Robbins – surfer from Margaret River, WA
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Trapped and alone: Donnybrook farmer's quad bike rollover, an RAC Rescue Helicopter survivor story
Season 1 · Episode 8
Monday, August 4, 2025 • Duration 44:26
An average day at work on a Donnybrook property became a race against time as Graeme Fry lay trapped, alone, and severely injured after a quad bike rollover.
For 10 hours Graeme lay pinned under a 400kg quad bike as he drifted in and out of consciousness in an isolated paddock in Western Australia’s South West.
The massive weight on his legs was slowly killing him.
Many years on from his accident, Graeme is still deeply affected by what happened that day. He joins us to recount his story, and the thoughts that got him through those long hours as he waited to be found.
(0:00) A Day Like Any Other Turns Tragic
(3:03) Stranded and Struggling
(9:10) The Desperate Search Begins
(14:14) Rescue and Immediate Aftermath
(18:32) Critical Condition and Hospitalisation
(25:10) Medical Challenges and Triumphs
(28:00) Intensive Care and Recovery
(30:28) Rehabilitation Journey
(37:55) Returning Home and Adjusting
(43:54) Final Thoughts and Message
Guest: Graeme Fry - Donnybrook farmer
The RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and sponsored by RAC.
Future classic cars: The cars we own now that could be classics in the future
Season 1 · Episode 7
Monday, July 21, 2025 • Duration 59:38
How does pop culture influence the desirability of a vehicle? Does nostalgia change our perception of classic vehicles? And why do enthusiasts race classic cars despite the risk of an expensive mistake?
Classic car enthusiast Simon McGrath joins us to chat about the cultural, market and social forces behind classic car ownership, and the cars making an impact now to become potential future classics.
(0:00) Introduction to Classic Cars
(0:36) Defining a Classic Car
(1:45) The Influence of Pop Culture on Car Value
(4:42) Personal Stories and Collections
(10:27) Future Classics and Market Trends
(20:44) Instant Classics
(25:56) Classic Cars and Community Events
(29:05) The Nostalgia of Classic Cars
(30:05) The Social Aspect of Car Restoration
(31:04) Quirky Cars and Their Unique Appeal
(34:34) The Racing Scene for Classic Cars
(37:58) The Future of Car Ownership and EVs
(43:54) Collecting Future Classics
(54:12) The Impact of Chinese Car Manufacturers
(57:26) Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Guest
Simon McGrath
Perth-based classic car enthusiast
Subscribe and share
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
27:35 The Impact of Passengers on Driver Fatigue
29:01 Holiday Driving Risks and Tips
30:07 Planning for Safe Long Drives
36:56 The Role of Technology in Fatigue Management
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
(28:51) Regional vs. Metro Offences
(32:03) Where the Fine Money Goes
(35:22) Public Perception and Misconceptions
(39:08) Final Thoughts and Advice
Guest
Matthew Samson - WA Road Safety Commission, Acting Director of Innovation and Technology
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
49:33 The Role of Policy in Road Safety
54:23 Achieving Zero Road Deaths
01:02:40 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Guests
Professor Teresa Senserrick, Director of the Western Australian Centre for Road Safety Research
Dr Matthew (Tepi) Mclaughlin - Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
Subscribe and share
If you liked this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with your friends and family.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees. This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice. References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC. RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.
