Top tips for safe touring this Easter

With Easter being one of the busiest times for road travel in Australia, many families and adventurers will be hitting the highways for a well-deserved break.

While road trips can be a fantastic way to explore, increased traffic and long hours behind the wheel can also present risks. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, here are some essential road safety tips to keep in mind this Easter.

Map out your journey ahead of time into manageable sections, including regular opportunities to take breaks and refresh. Don’t rush—if you’re tired or fatigued, stop and rest.

Before setting off, check your vehicle to ensure it’s in top condition. This includes tyre pressure, tread depth, engine oil, coolant levels, and windscreen washer fluid. If your car is due for a service, get it checked before heading off.

Ensure your load is properly secured, with no loose items that could move while driving. Overloading your vehicle can affect fuel efficiency and handling. Also, be sure to carry an emergency kit that includes a first aid kit, water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, basic tools, and a spare tyre.

Avoid driving during hours you’d normally be sleeping, fatigue is a major cause of accidents. Get a full night’s sleep before travelling and plan your departure when you’re most alert.

Take regular breaks every two hours to stretch, refresh, and avoid fatigue. Swap drivers if possible.
Keep an eye out for changing road conditions and wildlife, especially on regional or rural roads at dawn and dusk. Reduce your speed and stay alert for sudden obstacles.

Stick to speed limits and adjust for conditions like rain, fog, or heavy traffic, especially on unfamiliar roads.

No message or phone call is worth risking your safety. Use Bluetooth or smartphone mirroring apps like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and consider enabling ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode while driving.

If you're travelling with kids, pre-load devices with movies and shows, pack books, and bring snacks. Keeping passengers entertained and comfortable helps reduce distractions for the driver.

If you're towing a caravan or campervan this Easter, make sure it’s properly secured before you leave. Check that all lights, brakes, and safety chains are working correctly. Know your vehicle’s towing capacity and adjust your driving style accordingly.

Allow extra stopping distance, take corners slower, and reduce your speed when needed. Towing adds extra weight and changes how your vehicle handles, so drive cautiously and give yourself plenty of space.

1. Carry a small tool kit for repairs and adjustments, along with spare globes, fuses, and bearing kits or their numbers for replacements.

2. Ensure even distribution of load and placement across the centre of your van/wheels for better stability.

3. Develop a system that works best for you to ensure you’re hooking your van to your vehicle, locking it securely, and checking all van lights.

4. Before leaving anywhere, lock windows and hatches internally, keep blinds open, close drawers, secure the awning correctly, and tighten knobs.

5. Be aware of weight limits for your car and caravan to avoid overloading.

6. Maintain at least 10% of the van's tow-ball weight as a minimum.

7. Regularly check tyre pressure and replace tyres as part of scheduled maintenance.

8. Create and follow a checklist before leaving to ensure everything is in order.

9. When reversing your van, approach from the left side of the site for a better view over your right shoulder.

10. When reversing, place a highly visible object or a look out person on the spot you want the right rear corner of the van to end up. Using a phone or two way radio helps.