Safe driving is essential at all times, but when towing a caravan your driving conditions change. Take some time before you travel to re-acquaint yourself with road safety rules.

AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES

Road rules are consistent right across Australia, but some rules vary to suit local conditions. For example, in the Northern Territory there are a lot of out back roads that have no speed limit. In Melbourne, vehicles must do a “hook turn” by pulling to the left and not queuing across tram tracks when turning right. This enables trams to continue on smoothly and not be stuck behind vehicles wishing to turn right. You are also not allowed to overtake trams on the right and must stop behind a trams when it is stationary if there are no “passenger isles. For more information on road rules, and the differences between States and Territories, contact the National Road Transport Commission

CONCENTRATION

For continual safe driving by observing the following tips can help to keep your focus on the road, avoiding the biggest single cause of all road accidents:

• Wear lightweight, non-restrictive clothing
• Wear good quality anti-glare sunglasses.
• Drive with both hands on the wheel all the time.
• Sit at a comfortable distance from the wheel.
• Make all seat, belt and rear-view mirror adjustments before you take off.
• Do not allow conversations to distract you – resolve issues likely to prove contentious before you take off, or pull over if something comes up that cannot wait.
• Do not use a mobile phone while driving.

FATIGUE

Fatigue is a killer. Driving while tired is a major contributor in up to 25 per cent of serious road accidents. Studies have shown that very tired drivers are as bad as drink drivers. To maintain safe driving and avoid driving fatigue, observe the following tips:

• Take a 10-15 minute break every two hours and a longer break every four hours.
• Limit driving to a maximum of 10 hours per day.
• Get plenty of sleep before you travel.
• Do not drive when you would normally sleep, such as very early in the morning or late at night.
• Have nutritious snacks every couple of hours, rather than big meals at longer intervals.
• Share the driving if possible. With another driver the distance you must drive is halved.
• Watch out for fatigue symptoms such as daydreaming, drowsiness, sore eyes, boredom, restlessness and aches and pains. Self-awareness is crucial to staying safe.

This is the seventeenth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. Check our website at www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/caravan-holiday.html for the other articles.

Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his website www.crikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this article and other related topics. He not only has his tour business operating from Peth in Western Australia, but his site is full of very helpful information. Some of these includes tips on motorcycle holidays www.crikey-adventure-tours.com/motorcycle-holiday.html, driving cross-country, caravanning and generally lots of tips about having a "camping" holiday.

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