Easter is one of the busiest times of the year on Australian roads. If you’re on the road this long weekend, here are some handy tips to help you travel safely.
Keep a safe distance
Not only does Easter see an increase in cars on the road but also boats, caravans and trailers. Ensure you maintain a safe following distance and be patient when travelling behind slow-moving vehicles and/or boat trailers.
Pre-trip vehicle check
Before you head off, it’s important you check your vehicle so you have a smooth drive and arrive at your destination safely. Here are some pre-trip vehicle checks:
- Conduct a safety check on tyres, brakes, suspension, lights and restraints.
- Check your tyre pressure – under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption and effect on-road performance. Tyre pressure information can be found on a placard located on the right front door aperture, or in the vehicle operators handbook. Correctly inflated tyres will also improve your fuel economy.
- Make sure your headlights, indicators and brake lights are working.
- Check your windscreen for any chips or cracks as bumpy roads could cause a chip to turn into a full windscreen replacement.
- Check fluid levels including oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid.
Remember, not everything is open over the long weekend, so make sure you are prepared before you set off.
In the event of any accident
If you are involved in a road accident, it’s important you follow the correct procedure. These simple steps will assist you at the scene of an accident:
- Ensure the safety of yourself and others first. Do not attempt to move any injured passengers from a vehicle.
- Do not admit liability or offer payment to any party concerned.
- Give your name, address, licence number, registration number and insurance details to the other people involved in the accident. Obtain similar details from them.
- Be sure to gather sufficient information from the parties involved and any witnesses present. Make sure you obtain witness contact details.
- Take notes and photos of the accident scene, cross streets, the direction of travel, vehicle damage and so on as this information will help you complete an insurance claim form.
- Police reporting guidelines may vary from state to state. Make sure you are aware of your requirements.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable Easter break.
This article has been published for information purposes only. Information on safe driving is available at various State and Territory websites. Any opinions, views of contributors, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made, based on information available at time of writing, but no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made in this article. ORIX Australia Corporation Limited ABN 79 002 992 681
