Patience is being urged on our roads this long weekend, with RAC data revealing a surge in new caravanners taking to our roads ahead of the Easter break.
RAC insurance data shows there was a 35 per cent increase in new caravan policies last year and a nearly 25 per cent spike in claims.
RAC Communications Manager Rhys Heron said as holidaymakers hit the road for the Easter long weekend, it means they’ll likely be sharing the road with some novice caravanners.
“Easter is always one of the busiest times of the year on our roads and in regional WA, but we expect even more so this year as Western Australians choose to travel locally,” Mr Heron said.
“There’s huge demand at RAC’s holiday parks and resorts this long weekend and our data shows a spike in caravan sales in the last 12 months — that’s why it is so critical we all exercise patience on our roads.
“Vehicles towing a caravan can’t travel as fast as other cars and need to allow extra space for turning and braking, in case they have to stop suddenly.
“Many drivers will also be travelling on unfamiliar roads and for longer distances than they’re used to.
“We’re urging all road users to exercise patience, slow down and look out for each other — we want everyone to have a great Easter break and make it home safely.”
On average, 20 people are either killed or seriously injured on WA roads every Easter long weekend.
“Too many people continue to lose their lives or suffer life-changing injuries on our roads, particularly in our regional areas where 60 per cent of our fatalities occur year-on-year,” Mr Heron said.
“Most crashes in regional WA involve cars simply veering off the road or into oncoming traffic, making fatigue, speed and distracted driving major contributors to our horrific level of road trauma.”
So far this year, 41 people have lost their lives on WA roads — including 27 in our regional areas.
RAC’s Safe Travels initiative offers free caravan safety training and vehicle checks to ensure Western Australians are travelling safely.
RAC’s tips for a safe road trip
Prepare your car:
- Clean your windows and mirrors, fill your windscreen washer bottle and do oil, radiator and water checks
- Make sure your tyres are properly inflated and they have enough tread
- Check that your spare tyre is secured and in good condition
- Check your lights and indicators are working
- Plan your route so you know where you’re going
- Check where the rest stops and petrol stations are along the way
- Check the weather conditions before you leave
- Charge your phone and put it somewhere out of reach
Stay safe on the road:
- Slow down and reduce your speed for the conditions
- Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front
- Take breaks every two hours and if you feel tired, pull over somewhere safe straight away or swap drivers
- Limit your driving to less than eight hours a day and try to avoid driving at night
- Don’t overtake unless it’s safe to do so
- Keep your headlights on
- Stay alert for wildlife
RAC Media Contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
