RACV reminds Victorians to be safe at home and on the road as lockdown ends

RACV is reminding all Victorians to be safe at home and on the road as the state’s COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

After many months of limitations on movement, Victorians will be travelling to reconnect with family and friends and re-introducing themselves to cafes, pubs, restaurants and holiday destinations across the state.

RACV Policy Lead - Safety, Elvira Lazar, said it was important for Victorians to exercise caution as they begin to travel further in their vehicles and have visitors at home after lockdown.

“It’s an exciting time for Victorians, but we do need to be mindful of anticipated increases in traffic and congestion – we’re urging drivers to plan ahead, stay alert and have patience with each other,” Ms Lazar said.

In a recent RACV survey, RACV members said they will take more trips away interstate and intrastate when the pandemic is over than they did before COVID-19.

“Drivers need to remain vigilant of other vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, and scan the road verges for wildlife, particularly when travelling to areas where wildlife may not be accustomed to high traffic volumes,” Ms Lazar said.

Making regional travel safer has been high on RACV’s priority list due to the findings from RACV’s recent My Country Road Survey.

The My Country Roads Survey used an interactive map showing high-speed roads with large concentrations of crashes. It then sought suggestions for improvements from people with local knowledge.

As a result of the findings, RACV recommends that wherever possible, drivers plan their routes along better main roads with more safety features. 

“It’s not just on the road where RACV is urging caution. More guests will be allowed inside our homes, where around 40 per cent of all injuries occur,” Ms Lazar said.

“Falls are the most common cause of injury across all age groups at home, so it’s important to clean up any extra clutter and remove hazards to create a safer environment for your family and any guests.”

RACV is also reminding drivers to remain vigilant when children are around all road environments. Parents should separate play areas from roads and driveways whenever possible and always supervise children around roads and cars, even when cars are parked. 

RACV's top tips for travelling after lockdown

• Look out for kangaroos, wombats and other wildlife by scanning the side of the road and verges. 
  
• Be courteous and patient with other road users; remember to give way, indicate and plan ahead, so you are not rushing or becoming needlessly stressed. 
• Plan your trip using the arevo app, and where possible, stick to well-maintained main roads. 
  
• Check your tyres, fluid levels, car servicing and maintenance, and make sure you have enough fuel for the entire trip. 
  
• Check your Emergency Roadside Assistance membership and insurances are all up to date, at an appropriate level of cover. 
  

RACV suggests consumers shop around for the best deal on fuel by using the Fuel Tracker on the RACV website or in the arevo app.