Road safety checklist: How to stay safe on your summer road trip
What’s on your summer itinerary? Maybe it’s long barbecues with friends. Or endless days at the beach. Maybe it’s backyard cricket or holidays with the family. If a road trip or two is on your list this holiday season, you’re not alone. There’ll be thousands of extra cars with you. Whether you’re setting off on a holiday, visiting friends or keeping the business moving, there are several things you can do to help stay safe on the roads this season. And it starts with our handy checklist.
Download our handy checklist as a pdf or share this with your team for a safe and incident free summer on the road.
1. Get your car ready
Make sure your car is in top condition before you head off on your road trip. It will help keep you safe and help you avoid breakdowns or car troubles – the last thing you want on holidays.
Here’s what to check before you hit the road.
Check your Tyres
- Pressure
- Condition
- Tread depth
Check Fluid levels
- Oil
- Water
- Brake fluid
- Window washer
- Coolant
- Power steering
Check Brakes for
- A squealing sound, which can signal worn brake pads
- Spongy brake pedal, which could indicate low fluids
Test your Lights
- Brake lights
- Tail lights
- Indicators
- Headlights
Check your Air-con
- Check your A/C is working properly, especially for those steamy summer days.
And lastly, is it time for a service?
Don’t leave it too late. Summer is a peak time for servicing and bookings fill up quickly. Schedule your service early – ideally a couple of weeks before you hit the road – to make sure your car gets the attention it needs and your trip isn’t disrupted by delays, breakdowns or last-minute repairs.
2. Prepare yourself for the drive
Once you know your car is safe, it’s time to make sure you’ve got everything you need for an incident-free trip.
Rest up: Avoiding driving when fatigued
Driving when tired can have the same effect as drink-driving. So before you take off, make sure you get a good night’s sleep and schedule in regular stops - ideally every two hours. It’s also best to avoid driving between midnight and 6am, as research shows it’s the time people are most tired.
Minimise distractions
If you’re driving at 60 km/h, a two-second distraction means you travel 33 metres without your eyes on the road.
Here are three things you can do to reduce distractions while you’re driving:
- Safely mount your phone to your car and only use it for navigation. Tip: download the map, so you can use it offline.
- Buckle young kids into appropriate car seats.
- Keep your pet restrained and secure in the back of the car.
- Pack your luggage and items securely and strategically, so you’re not looking for the snacks or water while you’re driving.
Pack an emergency kit
While no one likes to think about emergencies, being prepared gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll have the essentials should the unexpected happen.
Here are some useful items to pack but be sure to test and check they’re in good working order first:
- First aid kit
- Your car’s user manual
- Spare tyre, in good condition
- Jumper leads
- Water
- Phone charger
- Torch & spare batteries
Tip: Download the Australian Red Cross First Aid app_target-blank for instant access to life-saving information.
Staying cool during the holiday season
Holiday traffic can test anyone’s patience. A calm approach and a few steady breaths can make all the difference in keeping your journey stress-free. And help everyone reach their destination safely.
3. Getting organised: Plan your trip, online
There are plenty of great resources and apps you can use to plan ahead. Here are some that can help you stay safe on the road.
Drive in the right conditions
Check driving conditions through the Bureau of Meteorology’s app and stay up to date on the latest forecasts. Different states have specific apps for severe weather or other potential hazards. Download them before you go.
Check on traffic, roadworks and emergency hazards
Before you hit the road, check for any live traffic alerts, road closures, roadworks or emergency hazards, especially during bushfire season.
Use Google Maps or state-based services like Live Traffic NSW for real-time updates including delays, detours and weather-related warnings.
If you’re travelling across multiple regions, consider downloading free safety apps relevant to each state including bushfire and emergency alert apps. These can send push notifications if conditions change while you’re on the road.
And don’t forget to tune in to local broadcast radio as you travel. It’s one of the fastest ways to hear about accidents, fires, flooding or evacuation advice in your immediate area.
Fuel up
Find the nearest petrol station with Fuel Map Australia or a place to charge your EV with PlugShare.
Know what to do if you break down
Some breakdowns are inevitable. If your car breaks down, here’s what to do to get back on the road quickly and safely.
- Put your hazard lights on and find a safe place to stop. If you can’t get your car off the road, call your state’s road incident reporting line.
- Move yourself and your passengers to a safe distance from traffic and other hazards.
- Call your roadside assistance provider. Even if you’re not a member, these providers can usually help for the same cost as an annual membership, they’ll sign you up on the spot. You may also want to call your insurer, to check if your insurance covers roadside assistance.
- If you’re an Interleasing customer, call us on 1800 004 588. We’re here to help.
The roads might be busy, but they don’t have to be stressful. A little preparation goes a long way.
View Summer Road Safety Checklist