If you're thinking that you've been seeing more caravans and campers on regional roads in the past few days, you'd be right.

There are over 820,000 registered caravans and RVs in Australia so throw in a few trailers and an estimated 1.7 million caravan and campers are expected to be out on the road this Easter Holiday. 

As COVID restrictions ease this expected surge in travel is welcome news for regional Australia and the many tourism businesses looking to recoup after a difficult two years. 

The Lake Keepit park near Gunnedah is just one location where all camp sites are fully booked and accommodation in Lightning Ridge is also heading that way.

The Caravan Industry Consumer Sentiment Report has shown Australians are keen to get mobile again after the easing of travel restrictions.  

Concerns about travelling have drastically decreased with 62% of Australians thinking that Australia is less impacted by the pandemic than most countries. 

February 2022 research indicated a pent-up demand for travel with 41% indicating increased intention, up from 18% in August 2021.  

Plus 56% of respondents said they were actively planning their next holiday with 52% preferring an interstate holiday.  

When road traffic surges it is important to manage fatigue, make proper use of rest stops including truck rest areas, take care with vehicle preparation, and practice patience when sharing the road with trucks, towing and sharing spaces in caravan parks.  

The harsh realities

Road Safety Research gives us some things to think about: 

·  RV road users are most likely to have a crash on Monday or Sunday as drivers return from their holidays. 

·  Crashes are most likely to occur between 10am and 12pm. 

·  Whilst crashes are more likely to occur in urban centres, fatalities are more likely to occur on regional roads. 

·  Rear Ends are the most common reason for a crash (18%) followed by angle collision i.e., turning (14%) and losing control (13%) 

Protective behaviours

Each year tens of thousands of Towing handbooks are distributed free of charge and there are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and other road users.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia is providing free digital and print information developed 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, .  

This information is available through easy to digest videos, engaging online quizzes and written content across email, social media, and digital platforms. 

Find out more here:

https://www.letsgocaravanandcamping.com.au/safety/ 

https://coexist.org.au/