NOVEMBER 2020
     

'Education and awareness important'

Caravan industry launches safety initiative as RV road trips surge

Have your say

AUSTRALIA'S peak caravanning industry body has launched a nationwide safety campaign as the tourist industry braces itself for a surge in domestic road trip camping holidays resulting from the easing of COVID restrictions.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia's Caravan/RV Road Safety initiative hopes its efforts during November and December will make things safer for caravanners and other campers.

With more than 741,000 registered RVs, it said education and awareness will be important in preparing Australians to safely enjoy their holidays.

In the coming months, more than 14 million nights and 3.3 million camping trips are expected to be taken.

"Each day road safety information regarding pre-planning your trip to manage fatigue, appropriate use of rest stops including truck rest areas, vehicle preparation, sharing the road with trucks, UHF communication and towing will be promoted and shared," the association said.

"This information is relevant for all road users regardless of experience.

"Safety is always important but with an expected surge in travel this summer and additional interest from 'first timers' due to COVID preventing international holidaying, now is a crucial time to put this messaging front of mind," general manager of Marketing and Communications Keelan Howard said.

The association has developed the November and December initiative in partnership with other state caravan associations, professional service providers and other relevant bodies such as the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Queensland Trucking Association.

Free information will be presented using easy-to-digest videos, online quizzes and written content across email, social media and digital platforms.

People will be directed to materials hosted on:

■ National Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide https://caravantowingguide.com.au/

■· Co-Exist, Road sharing with heavy vehicles https://coexist.org.au/

The focus will include information on towing, vehicle preparation and RV weights, best practice truck rest-stop usage, how to better use UHF radios for road sharing as well as refreshing travellers about what different rest area signage means.

"Having the right vehicle and parts to tow your caravan or camper trailer is so important to the safety of your family, there are many things to consider before you take your next trip," Mr Howard added..
.

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE