A surge in visitors to WA’s regional holiday hotspots has prompted a new RAC initiative, to ensure Western Australians are exploring our great State safely.
RAC data shows there’s been a 40 per cent increase in bookings made to our holiday parks and resorts from July to September compared to last year.
RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, RAC Karri Valley Resort and Ningaloo Reef Resort have seen the biggest spike in bookings.
RAC Executive General Manager Advocacy and Members Patrick Walker said it’s a substantial increase, with WA’s borders remaining closed to both interstate and international visitors.
“Western Australians are swapping their international vacations for regional staycations, meaning there will be more people travelling on our regional roads in the coming months, compared to before COVID-19,” Mr Walker said.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of us exploring our own backyard and supporting our regional areas, which rely so heavily on local tourism.
“With such a big increase in regional visitors, we want to make sure everyone gets to and from their destinations safely — that’s why we are launching our Safe Travels initiative.”
As part of our Safe Travels initiative, RAC will be offering:
- Free vehicle safety checks with our RAC Patrols and Auto Service mechanics
- Free 1.5 hour caravan safety training sessions at Driver Risk Management, Perth Airport
- Free coffee for drivers visiting regional Puma, Better Choice and Gull service stations to help fight fatigue
- A competition for 100 lucky winners for a 3-night stay at an RAC Parks and Resort property
“Regional WA is home to some of the most beautiful places in the country but it’s also consistently overrepresented by road fatalities, making our regional roads some of the most dangerous,” Mr Walker said.
“Many motorists are likely to be travelling on unfamiliar roads, for longer distances and towing a caravan for the first time.
“We’re urging every Western Australian with an upcoming regional road trip to plan ahead and ensure you and your vehicle are well prepared for the journey.
“Please remember to travel safely — slow down, drive to the conditions, ditch all distractions and look out for each other on our roads because we all deserve a safe and enjoyable break.”
So far this year, 66 people have lost their lives on WA roads — 60 per cent of those fatalities occurring in our regional areas. Hundreds more have been seriously injured.
For more details about RAC’s Safe Travels initiative and any of the offers above, please visit our website.
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 you have enough fuel
- 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
- Check your seat is in a good position for driving
- 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
- Have plenty of drinking water
- 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
- ENDS -
RAC Media Contact: Caitlin Barr, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
