It’s always great to get out and explore, whether your being a tourist in your own backyard or travelling further afield.
But putting things in place to make sure you get there, and back, safely is just as important as planning the destination.
The RACV’s safety checklist to ensure you’re road trip ready is a handy guide.
We detail some of their top tips below.
Test your car and get it serviced: You should be regularly completing easy DIY car maintenance jobs like checking your tyre pressure and replacing windscreen wiper inserts. You should also test all the lights and review the levels of vital fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. A service is also advisable, completed by a mechanic.
Plan your fuel/charging and rest stops: That means planning your route, knowing where the major towns are along the way for supplies and fuel. Schedule your rest breaks around your fuel stops. It's recommended drivers take at least a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving and share the trip with another driver, if possible.
Observe the rules around mobile devices in the car: L and P platers are subject to more restrictions than drivers with a full licence, but no driver should text, scroll, play games or rest a device on any part of the body when driving. This helps avoid potentially dangerous distractions. It’s also important to ensure your devices are fully charged and you have charging cables, so you can call for assistance if needed.
Check your tyres: Keeping your tyres in good condition is vital to ensuring your safety while driving, especially when travelling for long distances. Well-maintained tyres can also save you money by increasing fuel efficiency.
Organise and clean your car inside and out: A neat and organised interior can prevent driver distractions, keep the kids comfortable, and help you focus on driving safely.
Prepare for weather and road conditions: Monitoring weather forecasts is crucial to stay informed about any potential hazards or challenges that may arise during your road trip. Understanding how different road conditions affect driving is also critical, and you should adjust your driving speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to help prevent accidents.
Pack your emergency car safety kit: Your kit should include a phone charger, bottled water, non-perishable food, car owner's manual, torch with spare batteries, jumper leads, hi-vis vest, reflective triangle, picnic rug or blanket, spare wheel and tyre, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, your emergency roadside assistance details and a small amount of cash.
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