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A family road trip is easier to manage when you leave room for rest stops, changing conditions and the needs of the people in the car. Make those arrangements before the Christmas and summer holiday drive begins.
For learners and the people supervising them, a long trip also needs to suit the learner's experience. Our driving instructors helping Queensland families can discuss the skills to practise before taking on unfamiliar roads.
Use the Fatal Five to plan your drive
Speed, alcohol and drugs, restraints, fatigue and distraction are the five road-safety topics to keep in mind. This holiday checklist turns them into decisions you can make before and during the trip.
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Allow enough time for a suitable speed
Stay within posted limits and slow down when rain, visibility or traffic conditions require it. A tight arrival deadline can make delays frustrating. Build some spare time into your plans so a queue or extra stop does not become a reason to hurry.
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Decide who will drive before anyone drinks
Arrange a driver who will not drink, or use other transport. Check medicine labels too. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any effect on driving, especially when taking more than one medicine. The Queensland Government explains medicines, drugs and driving.
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Check everyone's seatbelt and restraint
Make sure seatbelts are properly fitted and fastened before you move. Children need the appropriate approved restraint, correctly installed and adjusted. Check the Queensland child restraint guidance when a child has grown or the seat has moved between cars.
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Plan rest breaks and be willing to stop sooner
Start rested and plan a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. Stop earlier if you feel tired. Share the driving with a suitably licensed, rested driver where possible, and consider an overnight stop on a long trip.
A planned break does not make it safe to push through sleepiness. Read the StreetSmarts fatigue tips and choose a safe place to stop when you need one.
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Set up the car before setting off
Choose your route and music before driving. Prepare suitable activities for children and ask a passenger to help with their needs. If someone needs your attention, stop safely instead of reaching into the back seat while driving.
Holiday travel can be busy. Keep the plan flexible, drive to the conditions and give yourself permission to arrive later when that is the safer choice.