Planning is the key to a successful road trip. We want everyone to arrive at their destinations by following these road trip safety tips.
Australia Road Statistics
Road trips remain a popular way to travel from years ago up to the present. But it has become a preferred method to go places, especially during this pandemic. Road trips are giving people a safer way to take vacations whilst other modes of travel are restricted.
But everything comes with risk. Based on data, there was a total of 95 fatalities from road accidents during October 2021. There were 1,134 road deaths within a year, which shows a 3.9% increase from the past year.
6 Tips for Road Trip Safety
To avoid accidents and injury, below are some helpful tips to consider before getting on the road.
- Have an Emergency First Aid Kit
Emergency first aid kits are easy to arrange, and it is proven helpful if something happens along the way.
Start with creating a list of all essential supplies for an emergency kit. Be sure to include a battery-operated flashlight, phone chargers, water bottles, band-aid, wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic ointments, and more. Pack all necessities in a tiny container or a small backpack if you do not have a first aid box.
- Buckle up
It might seem cliché but buckling up saves lives. Road accidents account for a large proportion of total injury deaths in Australia. Wearing seatbelts cut the risk of getting an injury or getting killed by 50%. Do not put the car in gear until every passenger buckles in tight.
- Plan the route ahead of time.
Before embarking on any road trip, determine the route and stops to make along the way. These include attractions you want to visit, stopovers, and bathroom breaks if you spend a long time on the road. Look for fueling and recharging options, as well as food stations to eat at during driving breaks.
Planning also enables you to see any related closures and restrictions, allowing you to make alternate plans. Do not skip planning, as it is what makes the trip smooth sailing and hassle-free.
- Inspect vehicle
It is crucial to get the car checked before getting on the road. Do a thorough vehicle inspection and have a professional check the critical car components. These include batteries, engines, brakes, and fluid levels.
- Get Enough Rest
The designated driver will need enough hours of rest to stay alert during a long road trip. In 2016-17, lack of sleep resulted in a total of 3,017 deaths. It is forecast that more than one Australian will die every day from falling asleep behind the wheel.
Take regular breaks to help minimise the risk of driving due to lack of sleep and exhaustion. If possible, share the driving schedule with at least one or two people if the trip lasts longer than five hours.
- Be Safe with First Aid
The final step in road trip safety is to remain safe while on the road. Avoid all possible worst-case emergency scenarios by learning how to provide first aid. Learn how to recognise signs of injury and provide necessary first aid skills such as CPR, bleeding control, wound care, managing burns, and more.
Take a first aid course weeks before the trip to prepare for unexpected emergencies.
Conclusion
Hitting the road may sound simple, but it does take a little bit of preparation and training to make it as fun and safe as possible. Take a look at these six road trip safety tips that helps ensure your safety before your next adventure.
For more information about first aid training, visit our website.