Road trips have never been more appealing, have they? Not only is travelling by road a great way to enjoy a much-needed getaway without dealing with the international travel restrictions sparked by the pandemic, but road trips are also becoming cooler, chicer, and sexier thanks to the #RoadTripPledge. The 2020 celebrity-backed initiative to support Australia during challenging times is working to breathe new life into domestic road trips, really getting us all excited to get back out on the beautiful open road.
But to really get the most enjoyment out of your Australian road trip, it’s important to put yourself first, and do what you can to stay safe. Here are 7 critical safety measures that you shouldn’t forget to pack…
- Store your Valuables
Before you start thinking about staying safe on the road, it’s a good idea to first think about keeping everything safe at home. Road trips can last anywhere from one day to several weeks (or even months), so it’s worth taking measures to ensure your valuables are protected while you’re not around. And while you may be tempted to bring some things along for the ride, consider that they could get damaged, or stolen, along the way. Many non-essential valuables are best kept in storage units to keep them safe.
- Prepare Your Vehicle
One of the best ways to stay safe on the road is to ensure your vehicle is up to the job. It’s definitely sensible to give your car a check a few days before setting off, looking at the brakes, lights, battery, tyre pressure, oil, washer fluid, coolant, air filter, and wipers especially. If you do find anything that needs attention, checking a few days before leaving gives you time to get any issues sorted. If you’re not particularly car-literate, getting a professional service can give you the peace of mind that you need. Also, you can install Ute trays in your vehicle as they are very useful to you. A Ute tray makes road trips much easier to manage with the additional load capacity. You can install canopies in this and take all your essential tools and equipment which protects it from dust, dirt, rain, sun, and best of all. The company provides high-quality aluminum Ute trays and canopies.
- Map it and Share it
Try not to set off without having created some sort of plan of where you’re going, what you’re planning to see, and when you’ll arrive at these places. Planning ahead allows you to include rest stops into your schedule, and enter your destinations into your GPS so there’s no need to be distracted looking at maps while you’re driving. And perhaps most importantly of all, be sure to share this plan with a friend or family member. Plans change, but sharing a rough guide of where you’ll be, and when, is a top safety tip.
- Be Flexible
No road trip should be set in stone, especially now. Each state and territory is able to apply their own travel restrictions, and during the COVID-19 outbreak there have been restrictions on entering states, closure of state borders, and mandatory quarantine for some travellers. And it’s not just the pandemic. Natural disasters such as bushfires can also affect where it’s safe and possible to travel to. To stay safe, it’s important to be flexible, and be willing to change your plans in line with national circumstances.
- Stock up on Supplies
Although stocking up on supplies is often recommended when entering the Outback, it never hurts to ensure you’re well prepared, no matter where you’re driving. Having plenty of water per person (plus emergency rations), non-perishable food items, and warm clothing is always a good idea when on a road trip. It’s also good to have a plentiful supply of tissues and wipes, a well-filled first aid kit, and a personal locator beacon. These items can really help to keep you safe should things not quite go to plan.
- Know the Signs of Fatigue
The Eyre Highway runs for more than 1600 kilometres… in a straight line! There’s no twists or turns in the road to keep the driver’s attention, making it incredibly dangerous if you’re feeling tired. And there’s lots more roads just like it (although a bit shorter!) across the country. Knowing the signs of fatigue – yawning, increased blinking, and slower reaction times – is key to staying safe. Try to limit driving to a maximum of 8 hours per day, with breaks every 2 hours, and swap drivers if travelling with others.
- Read up on Local Wildlife
If you’re from any of Australia’s major cities, you’ve probably never had to worry about spotting a wild ‘roo on the side of the road. But if you’re heading into the country – especially in Queensland which has the country’s highest population of reds, eastern greys, and wallaroos – it can be handy to know what to do if you find yourself faced with one. Expert advice from the RAC recommends slowing down, beeping the horn to discourage the animal from approaching the road, and avoiding driving at dawn and dusk.
Staying Safe on the Road
More Australian residents are taking domestic road trips; a fantastic sign that the nation is dedicated to boosting the local economy and supporting the country. And while we all want to focus on the beauty of nature, and the freedom that comes with the open road, taking the time to implement just a few measures to stay safe really is essential to enjoying any road trip, and making the most of your time off.
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Kirsty Morbidelli – Facility Development Manager
Kirsty Morbidelli is the U-Store-It Facility Development Manager whose years of experience in the industry allow her to develop and design customised and tailored self-storage training platforms that U-Store-it’s professional storage consultants use for better understanding their client’s needs before providing solutions to suit residential, business and corporate customer’s self-storage needs.
