Safe holiday travel

Before you start your trip

Holidays are meant to be fun. But it's no fun if you're involved in a crash along the way. It may seem obvious, but some planning and preparation before you set off gives you a better chance of enjoying a safe drive.

Plan ahead

• Plan to have rest stops every two hours if you're driving a long distance – make them part of the fun.
• Plan not to speed – allow extra time for delays and extra traffic on the road.
• Arrange fun activities for kids along the way to help make their trip more enjoyable.

Be prepared

• Get a map so you can estimate how long it will take to get there and plan your route.
• Program your GPS with your destination before departing.
• Work out what you can do as part of your drive.
• Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the rest stops along the way.
• Make sure you get enough sleep and don't drink alcohol the night before you set off.
• Pack wisely and don't put the children in the car until you're ready to go.
• Check medications with your doctor (in case they make you drowsy when driving).
• Make sure you eat properly – not too little, not too much.

Check that everything is okay

No matter where you're going, it's important to make sure you, your vehicle, trailer, caravan and/or boat are in tip-top condition. Before going on a long trip, it is advisable to book your vehicle in for a thorough safety check by a reputable mechanic. It's also advisable to run through the following checklists before you go.

For all vehicles

You should check:

• that all lights (headlights, brake lights and indicators) are in working order
• that wipers, washers and horn operate properly
• the fan belt condition and tension
• the brake and clutch fluid levels and battery water level
• the cooling system and hoses
• the oil levels (and check for leaks)
• that your tyres (including your spare) are inflated to the pressure specified for your vehicle.

If you're towing a trailer, boat or caravan

You should check that:

• the vehicle you will drive is suited to the type and size of the trailer, boat or caravan
• any loads you are carrying are evenly distributed and properly restrained
• fittings, couplings and safety chains are correctly fastened
• your vehicle, trailer and caravan are roadworthy and registered
• your number plate and registration stickers are not obscured
• you are carrying only one trailer or caravan at a time (not both)
• you don't overload your trailer.

Travelling with children

If you have children, it's a good idea to pack some 'boredom beaters' for the trip. That way you'll avoid that old familiar 'are we there yet?' cry from the back seat. Try:

• music – take along a portable music player with head phones for the children
• movies – bring a portable DVD player with a couple of DVDs to choose from
• car-friendly games, puzzles and drawing books
• car-friendly toys for younger children
• car games like 'I-spy'
• a book on car games from the library or book store
• small computer games.

Also, it is handy to remember:

• plastic cups with their own lids and straws to avoid unnecessary spills
• rations of food and drinks – but nothing too sweet or messy
• a small, cuddly blanket in case your children feel like having a nap – remember to ensure children are always restrained properly.

Are you packing bikes for the children? Remember to pack bicycle helmets. Does your rear bike rack make your number plate hard to read? If so, you may need an accessory plate. Also, remember to pack a rubbish bag so you can easily dispose of litter.

Right, now you're ready to go. Have an enjoyable trip!

Hitting the road

As soon as you get in the car, put on your seat belt and make sure all passengers do the same. Seat belts improve your chances of surviving a serious crash by up to 50%. Along the journey, keep checking to make sure children are still wearing their seat belts. It is also important not to drive while you are tired. During 2004 to 2008, more than one in seven fatalities were as a result of fatigue related crashes within Queensland.

Rules for survival

• Share the driving if possible.
• As soon as you feel tired, stop and have a break.
• Take a 15 minute break every two hours to rest your eyes and refresh yourself.
• Don't drive for more than 10 hours in a day.

Stop for a break

Be sure to stop for a break when you suffer from:

• sore or heavy eyes
• dim or fuzzy vision
• you start 'seeing' things
• droning and humming in ears
• general tiredness
• stiffness and cramps
• aches and pains
• daydreaming
• delayed reaction times
• unintentional increases or decreases in speed
• fumbling for gear changes
• car wandering across the road.

Driver reviver breaks

Look out for the driver reviver signs on the highway. The distinctive coffee cup logo means you're just minutes away from a relaxing break with some free refreshments.

During peak holiday periods it's important to be patient, as there is likely to be extra traffic on the road. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination – it's better to arrive safely and late, than not at all. Don't be tempted to speed to catch up on any lost time. It's simply not worth the risk.

The faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop

Apart from increasing your chances of having a serious crash, you also run the risk of receiving a hefty fine – which will put a serious dent in your holiday spending money and enjoyment.

The graph below shows how stopping distances increase exponentially the faster you drive.

Distances shown are for a car equipped with the best possible tyres and brakes and driven by a professional driver.

On your feet

When you're on holidays you're likely to also use your feet to get around. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean you can be any less careful on the road. During 2008, there were 30 pedestrian fatalities as a result of crashes within Queensland, which represents nine per cent of the Queensland road toll. Half of these fatalities occurred within 60 km/h speed zones. Some of the top sites for crashes between cars and pedestrians were at popular holiday spots, so you should be extra careful on your break.

Safety tips for pedestrians

• Always cross at lights, crossings or places where you can see all the traffic.
• Don't assume drivers will always see you or be able to stop in time. If in doubt take the time to walk to another part of the road where it's safer to cross.
• Don't let young children cross busy roads on their own and hold their hands to ensure they can't dart away from you. If you're walking a dog, ensure you use a leash so you can control it in traffic.
• If you're walking along the road use the footpath and not the bitumen – if there is no footpath and you must walk on the road; walk towards on-coming traffic.

When you are on holidays

Taking a holiday doesn't mean taking a break from the road rules.

Familiarise yourself

If you're holidaying somewhere new, chances are you won't be too familiar with the local streets. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the street directory before you head off. Observe local speed limits, and don't forget to indicate when turning or changing lanes – it could save your life.

During holidays, children spend more time outside, so be extra cautious. When you're driving past parks or along suburban streets, take care and look out for kids playing on the streets, riding bikes, or walking.

If your children have skateboards or rollerblades, encourage them to avoid travelling on roads.
Note: If you ride a wheeled recreational device (rollerblades, rollerskates and skateboards, scooters and motorised scooters) when and where they are not permitted you risk being fined A$40.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory for all bike riders.

If you drink then drive, you will be stopped

Even though you're on holidays, the police aren't, so don't drink and drive. Make sure you're aware of the legal blood or breath alcohol concentration limits.

How many standard drinks to help stay under 0.05?

As a general rule:

• Men can consume two standard drinks in the first hour and one every hour after that.
• Women can consume one standard drink in the first hour and one every hour after that.

How much alcohol does your drink have?

Understanding how much you drink can make all the difference in deciding not to drive.

These four drinks look and taste very different. But you might be surprised to find they have one thing in common. They all contain an equal amount of alcohol. So whatever you're drinking, treat them with an equal amount of respect.

How much alcohol does your beer have?

Did you know?

1 bottle of wine (750 ml) = 7.5 standard drinks (12.5% alc/vol)

Always err on the side of caution as some people are more easily affected by alcohol. Imagine if you were responsible for injuring or killing someone because you were drink driving. Could you forgive yourself?

Enjoy your holiday, have a few drinks, but plan to catch a cab home, stay with friends or arrange a lift.

The return trip

You've had a great break, you're relaxed and you're happy. Don't ruin it by risking your safety on the way home.

Remember:

• plan
• prepare
• wake up – stop for 15 minutes every two hours
• buckle up
• slow down
• drive sober
• that some people may still be on holiday – be careful when driving through residential streets.

Be aware of and obey school zone signs once school returns. Speeding through school zones risks children's lives – police will be out in force, so don't risk losing demerit points and getting a fine.

Most of all, remember many crashes happen within 50 km of home. So make sure you're alert during the whole trip. Don't let your guard down just because you're nearly home.

By taking a few simple precautions and driving safely these holidays, you significantly reduce the risks of falling victim to speeding, driving drunk, drugged or tired and driving without wearing a seatbelt.

Follow these tips to help ensure you arrive home from your holiday safe and happy. After all, the only regret you want to have after your holiday is that it went too quickly.

See also

• Driving tired 
• Tunnel safety