Call for caravan courtesy in Queensland

Queensland Police are urging drivers to be more courteous to caravanners, as many grey nomads head north for some winter sunshine after the re-opening of state borders.

Rockhampton-based Sergeant Jode Fernie said with the potential for disruptions to traffic as RV travellers return to some of Queensland's busier thoroughfares, road users "need to be mindful and share our roads with vehicles who need a tad more consideration than smaller vehicles".

Sergeant Fernie reminded ignorant drivers that when driving near or behind a caravan or motorhome, they need to be aware that "their vehicle is heavier (and) therefore needs longer to slow down or stop".

She said drivers also need to allow for the fact that a caravan or motorhome requires extra space to turn a corner, and that it's easy for a larger vehicle like a truck to cause a caravan to sway when overtaking.

"Ease back and provide extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front for safety purposes," was her advice to other motorists driving more stable and manageable vehicles.

"If you are too close behind a caravan you have very little vision, stay back allowing you to see better. Be sure you can see enough road to pass safely, then pass quickly but sensibly," she said.

"Don’t pull back in until you see both the caravan vehicle’s headlights, which allows a safe space. Maintain your speed, don’t pass and then slow directly in front of the caravan."

Sergeant Fernie said trying to save a few minutes on your trip time by taking risks around slower-moving larger vehicles wasn't worth it.

"A couple of extra minutes added to your trip may be just what you need to ensure you make it to your destination," she said. "As I say to my own learner driver child, 'A patient driver is a safe driver'."

Truckies prepare for road caravan blocks

Safety warning for casual caravanners

Spike in caravan crashes raises alarm bells