Essential Road Safety Tips for the Upcoming Holiday Season

Holiday periods bring family, fun and travel for millions of Australians — but they’re also one of the busiest and most high-risk times on our roads. With Christmas, New Year and the long summer break approaching, it’s more important than ever for caravanners and campers to take extra care behind the wheel.

Here are our essential tips to help you drive safe and arrive safe this festive season.

Main Causes of Road Incidents During the Holidays

Speeding

Speed limits are there for a reason — especially when towing. Speeding reduces your reaction time and significantly increases the severity of any crash. Arriving a few minutes later is always better than not arriving at all.

Distraction

Mobile phone use, navigation fiddling, kids in the back, or simply zoning out can all lead to serious incidents. Set your phone to Do Not Disturb, organise music and maps before you leave, and minimise non-essential conversations while driving.

Fatigue

Fatigue remains one of the biggest killers on Australian roads, particularly during long summer road trips. Hot weather, heavy holiday traffic, and early-morning departures all increase tiredness.
Take a 15-minute break every two hours, switch drivers where possible, and always stop at the first sign of fatigue.

Weather & Seasonal Conditions

Summer brings heatwaves, glare, sudden storms and bushfire conditions. These can affect road surfaces, visibility and your vehicle. Stay across local weather warnings, avoid driving in extreme heat where possible, and be prepared for sudden conditions to change.

Top Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

1. Plan Your Trip

Map out your journey, rest stops, refuelling points, expected travel times, and any planned roadworks or closures. Have a Plan B in case of delays, storms or unexpected detours.

2. Avoid Distractions

Before setting off, make sure:

• Maps are loaded
• Music or podcasts are queued
• Kids are settled
• Phone is on Do Not Disturb
• Items are secured and won’t roll around

3. Share Driving Duties

If travelling with another licensed driver, rotate regularly to reduce fatigue.

4. Know the Local Road Rules

Heading interstate? Roads, speed limits, towing rules and even holiday traffic patterns vary from state to state. Brush up before you go.

5. Never Drink and Drive

Whether it’s a Christmas lunch, a winery stop, or New Year’s celebrations — alcohol and driving never mix.

6. Share the Road

Summer means more families, tourists, cyclists, motorcyclists and heavy vehicles on the move. Give everyone space and stay patient during busy holiday congestion.

Road Safety Tips for Caravanners

Towing

• Know your vehicle’s legal towing capacity
• Check brake controllers and mirrors
• Review our Towing Guide for everything you need to know
• Consider completing a towing course before big trips

Loading

• Load heavy items low and centred
• Distribute weight evenly
• Secure all items to prevent shifting

Tyres, Brakes & Suspension

• Check tyre pressure and condition on both car and caravan
• Inspect brakes and brake controllers
• Re-check suspension height and stability after loading up

Hitch & Electrical Connections

• Ensure your coupling is fully locked and secured
• Cross and secure safety chains
• Test all lights, indicators and electrical connections
• Do a full walk-around before leaving every stop

For more pre-travel tips, see our full Caravanning Safety Guide.

Make Safety Your First Gift This Christmas

Whether you’re heading off for a Christmas getaway, a New Year road trip, or a long summer adventure, prioritising road safety ensures you and your loved ones arrive ready to enjoy your holiday.

Stay safe, take your time, look out for each other — and enjoy your greatest adventure yet!

Did you know that if you take a camping holiday between October 1st and February 28th, you could win a shot at one million dollars? The further you travel, the more entries you can get! Find out more!

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