The approach of the Easter and Anzac Day holidays means many Australians will soon have a chance for a well-deserved break. This time of year, with its sequence of public holidays, often allows people to enjoy a longer period away from their usual work.
It appears that a good number of Australians are planning to use this upcoming time for different activities. This pattern of behaviour naturally has some effects across the country, which will need to be considered by those in charge and the public generally.
This year, a significant number of Aussies are set to embark on road trips, with new data revealing that over a quarter of the population intends to make the most of the period by taking additional days off work.
This extended break is expected to result in a substantial surge on the nation’s roads, raising concerns about safety and traffic management.
According to an NRMA survey, nearly two-thirds of those planning to take time off will be travelling, with the vast majority choosing to stay within their home state. A staggering 77 per cent of these holidaymakers will be driving to their destinations.
This influx of drivers is anticipated to be particularly pronounced in south-east Queensland and northern NSW, regions that are still recovering from the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. These areas are seeing a boost in domestic tourism, partly due to lower interest rates, which is contributing to the increased road traffic.
NRMA Parks and Resorts has reported a late surge in bookings across its network of over 60 holiday locations, with few vacancies remaining.
This heightened demand for getaways has prompted Peter Khoury from the NRMA to issue a warning to drivers: with the roads becoming increasingly congested, the importance of road safety cannot be overstated.
Khoury highlighted the critical nature of the upcoming weeks, as the road toll has risen in several states, including NSW.
‘We know that a lot of families are going to take that time off between Easter and Anzac Day and make it a longer holiday, which means that they may travel longer distances,’ he said.
Factors such as unfamiliar regional highways, damaged roads due to recent wet weather, and the sheer volume of traffic are all contributing to the increased danger.
In response to these concerns, Khoury has urged drivers to exercise caution and ensure their vehicles are thoroughly checked before setting off.
He also recommends allowing extra travel time to accommodate for the expected traffic congestion and to reduce the likelihood of accidents in these vulnerable conditions.
Law enforcement agencies across Australia are also preparing for the holiday period with increased measures to promote road safety. In NSW, ACT, and Western Australia, double demerit points will be in effect from Thursday, April 17, to Monday, April 21.
Queensland Police, on the other hand, are expanding roadside breath and drug testing operations to coincide with the school holidays from April 4 to 21.
Ahead of the anticipated surge in holiday traffic, Queensland Police have announced a strong state-wide presence to target driver impairment and enforce road safety. They are reminding motorists to avoid the ‘fatal five’: drink and drug driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction, and seatbelt misuse, which are the leading causes of road fatalities.
As we prepare for the holiday season, it’s crucial to plan your trip carefully, stay informed about traffic conditions, and prioritise safety above all else. By doing so, we can all contribute to preventing holiday tragedies and ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable break.
We encourage our readers to share their road trip plans and safety tips in the comments below. Have you experienced heavy traffic during holiday periods before? What strategies do you use to stay safe on the road?
Also read: Aussies are skipping Bali for THIS ‘Number One’ international holiday spot—Find out where!
