Planning a road trip around Australia?
Here are 8 crucial tips to help you stay safe during your adventure.
1. Make sure you are insured
The most important thing to do before heading off on your road trip is to make sure you have proper insurance. It is illegal in Australia to drive without car insurance. Moreover, if you don’t have any, you could find yourself with a huge bill if your vehicle suffers a mishap or is damaged in an accident.
Several companies, including Rollin’ provide comprehensive car insurance for BMW, Toyota, Holden and many other makes and models of cars. So, make sure that you are fully covered.
2. Get the car serviced
If you are planning on driving a long distance on your road trip, it is a good idea to get your car serviced by a qualified mechanic before you leave.
This way, you will have the peace of mind that your car is up to the journey, and things are less likely to go wrong with it. The last thing you want is to break down in the middle of nowhere.
3. Obey the speed limits and road rules
Speed limits and road rules are in place for a reason, so you should stay mindful to observe them, especially on roads you are not familiar with.
Accidents can happen when you drive too fast or close to other vehicles, particularly on twisty, windy back roads. Additionally, you never know where police cars might be stationed to catch out drivers who are breaking the rules.
Best to take a slower and steadier approach to driving and appreciate the scenery as it unfurls beside you.
4. Take regular breaks during
It is important to stay alert while driving long distances because tiredness or lack of concentration kills. For this reason, you should take regular breaks.
A good rule of thumb is to stop for 10 minutes every 2-3 hours. When you do this, step out of the car, into the fresh air and safely walk around for a bit. This should go a long way towards refreshing and refocusing your mind.
5. Share the drive
Another good way to remain fresh whilst driving is to share the task with your fellow road-trippers. If you are travelling with other people who can drive, consider swapping every 2 hours or 200km.
That way, you will be able to take in more of the scenery and possibly even cover further ground over the course of the day as you won’t be so tired.
6. Bring food and drinks
It is very important to stay hydrated during your road trip as dehydration can affect your concentration and decision-making ability. However, try to drink water and not soft drinks to keep your hydration up to optimal levels.
Additionally, you should bring plenty of food as well. Depending on where you are driving to, you might have trouble finding somewhere to eat – especially if you have dietary issues. You will also be glad of the food, if the worst happens and your car breaks down, particularly if you are road-tripping with children.
7. Have a fully charged and working mobile phone
Mobile phones are an essential part of everyday life; however, they are easy to take for granted. Before you start your drive make sure your phone is fully charged and you have brought your leads with you. It is also worth carrying a portable battery charger with you as well, if your car doesn’t have the facility to charge a mobile phone.
Phones are very handy for various aspects of road-tripping, including following directions of where to go, making impromptu hotel reservations, finding out about the place you intend to visit and calling for help if required.
8. Be cautious of wildlife
Australia has some unique wildlife, which often shows complete disregard for vehicles on the road. Therefore, whilst driving you should always keep an eye out for kangaroos and wallabies, especially at sunrise or sunset, as they make up 90% of all animal road accidents in the country. (Possums, snakes and koalas are other animals you might encounter.)
For this reason, you should always be alert to their possible presence during emerging or fading light as this is when they are most active. If they do collide with your car, they can cause significant damage.
Should you injure an animal on the road, be sure to let the RSPCA know on their 24/7 hotline number of 1300 ANIMAL.
