Christmas Holiday Road Safety Tips

The time is nearing for truckies to leave the familiar cab they’ve spent the working year in, and spend some quality time with their families.

Many workplaces implement safety procedures for truck drivers. Keeping your family safe on the road during holiday season requires a similar, but unique approach to road safety.

Before you travel.

Check your vehicles tyre pressure, lights and brakes. Check fluids to ensure there is sufficient, clean oil in the engine as well as coolant for the radiator. Ensuring the air conditioner is fully functional will help avoid overheating inside the car and save you from grumpy, restless kids! It’s also important to be prepared for emergencies. Pack a blanket, a torch, some water and a first aid kit.

Rest before driving.

Fatigue is a major cause of fatal accidents in Australia. Unfamiliar roads with unpredictable conditions spell tragedy for an impaired driver. Prepare by resting before a long drive, share the driving and remember to stop every two or three hours for a reviver break.

Ensure seatbelts are buckled.

This should be common sense but cannot be stressed enough – seat belts save lives. Ensure not only your seatbelt is fastened but also those of passengers, especially children. If travelling with pets, ensure they are also restrained and protected.

Be aware of the road.

Rain and debris on the road surface greatly affect driving performance. Especially on unfamiliar roads, be sure to drive to the conditions and be aware of your vehicle. Take the time to plan your trip before and identify safe routes. Drive to the recommended speed limits and slow down when you encounter bad visibility or wet roads. Remember it’s not about how quickly you get there; it’s about getting the family there safely.

Be patient.

Be mindful of other drivers on the road. They are all just trying to reach their destination. It is the same case for driving back home – share the road. Drive within a safe distance to others and be careful of heavy caravans and trailers who may be travelling at a slower speed. A cool head will get you home safely. The best road rage incident is the one avoided.

Enjoy the Christmas and New Year break, whether it is away or at home. It should be a time of rest and relaxation, not a battle to get to your destination.