What You Need to Know for your Upcoming Road Trip this Summer Holidays.
Statistics on crashes from long haul trips
Between 2015-2019, approximately 12% of lives lost on Queensland roads were from fatigue related crashes. According to the transport accident commission 20% of all fatal road crashes in Victoria involve driver fatigue. Additionally, sleepiness can contribute to up to 30% of all deaths and severe injuries on Australian roads. Click Here to see more.
Tips for Avoiding Fatigue
- Take regular breaks – you should stop for at least 15 minutes every 2 hours
- Share the driving if you can. If you’re travelling with a partner, friend or child of the age to drive, give them a go!
- Use rest areas, tourist spots and driver reviver stop. Click here to find out more about where rest stops are located.
- Stop and rest as soon as you feel tired, don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Never drive for more than 10 hours in a single day. Click here to find out more about the warning signs of tiredness.
What roads to be extra cautious of in Australia.
- Bruce Highway, QLD
Has a rough surface, narrow conditions, stop/start congestion and prone to flooding
- Warrego highway QLD
Many drivers face fatigue on this road.
- Great western highway
Hilly terrain and substandard curves
- Pacific highway QLD/NSW
Reckless drivers, ongoing roadworks, fatigued drivers
- Princes’ highway VIC
Long periods without rest stop, driver disengagement, fatigue
5 tips for Keeping Kids Entertained on the Road
- Bring all the digital devices you may need. And a charger – you don’t want it running out of battery in the middle of a TV show!
- Where possible, try and get them out of the car to run, play and tire before a long stint
- See some sites along the way. Plan the trip so you have an activity to do every time you get off the road for a break to create some excitement about where you’re going next.
- Physical activities – bring as much Lego, coloring in, and toys to play with as possible to keep them busy!
- Create fun car games – I spy, spelling tests, license plate games, punch buggy and more
Checklist Before you Take Off
- Are your tyres safe?
- Have you planned your drive?
- Where and how often will you stop?
- Do you have snacks for the road? Click here to find out the best roadtrip snacks
- do you have a first aid kit that has everything you need? Click here to know what you should have
- Do you have all the chargers you need? (phone, ipad, laptop, earphone)
- Check your brakes – do this at least 2 weeks before take off incase you need to see a mechanic
- Do you have a spare tyre? is it useable?
- Is your car due for a service?
- Check and refill all your cars fluid levels
- Plan your fuel stops in regional Australia
What if You are Hit by Another Driver?
At TPIL Lawyers, our experienced “No Win, No Fee” personal injury lawyers are experienced in motor vehicle accident claims. We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We can help you determine who is at fault for the car accident, and if you are not at fault, we can help you to get the medical treatment and the compensation to which you are entitled.
TPIL Lawyers are highly experienced in dealing with road accident claims which includes Uber accidents.
Contact us today to speak with one of our lawyers and remember, we are here to help.
