Hitting the road this Easter? Here’s how to stay safe
The Easter long weekend road trip – it’s an Aussie rite of passage. You’ve knocked off work, school’s out, and you’re ready to spend some quality time with the family. Of course, you’re not the only one itching to get way.
While it might be one of the happiest times of year, it’s also one of the busiest. So here’s our guide to staying safe on the roads this Easter.
Make a habit of safe driving
Stop, revive, survive
It’s a simple mantra, but it works. Pull over every couple of hours to take a break, even if you’re not tired. Grab a snack, stretch your legs and if you need to, swap drivers.
Know where you’re going
According to a recent survey, 66% of people said they were responsible for planning a road trip, while 19.5% said their partner was. If you’re the one planning, it’s best to know the route before you go. As old-fashioned as it sounds, studying a map will come in handy should your phone or GPS fail you. You should also check the latest road updates for delays and closures.
Keep an eye on the weather
Wet weather makes Easter roads even more dangerous. Check the forecast before you leave and try to plan your driving around this. If you happen to hit bad conditions, just remember to slow down and be extra attentive to road conditions.
Give you car a health check
At the end of the day, staying safe is about being in a safe vehicle. Make sure your car has been recently serviced and that your oil, water and brake fluid is topped up. You should also double-check that your lights are working, the tyre pressure and thread is right, and your windscreen is crystal clear.
Gwen is a mother, daughter, wife & writer. She’s just one of many Wonder Women in the world, and you can follow her on Twitter.