YOU can expect to see more caravans on the roads in the coming months as ‘grey nomads’ begin to head north.
PHOTO: Fraser Coast RV Park.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia said many nomads begin to travel north as the seasons change.
The association is using the opportunity – during National Road Safety Week – to bring road safety among caravaners, campers and general road users front of mind.
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Peter Frazer, President of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group and Founder National Road Safety Week, said they’re asking all drivers and road users to ‘Drive so Others Survive.’
“As a very large and very important road user group we welcome the support of the Caravan Industry because like us, they recognise that everyone has a right to get home safe to their loved ones, every day, with no exceptions.” Mr Frazer said.
“With more caravans on our roads during peak holiday and traffic times, it’s even more important for both their drivers and others around them to be aware of keeping a safe distance to make sure everyone safely reaches their destination,” he continued.
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This comes at a time when campers traditionally look to head north in search of warmer weather.
While there remains some hesitance and uncertainty when it comes to the risk of border closures, a recent survey showed that 65 per cent of caravaners and campers were intending to travel north this season.
The research also indicated increased desire from Australians who would not normally travel north, a likely result of the increased popularity of caravan and camping following the pandemic.
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General Manager for Marketing and Communications at the Caravan Association, Keelan Howard said they were eager to promote road safety.
“This is timely for our industry as nomads plan their migration north, driving long distances on unfamiliar roads,” he said.
The past 12 months has seen many Aussies towing newly purchased campers and caravans, driving new motorhomes or dusting off product that might have been sitting in the shed during the lockdowns.
“This week we are taking the time to remind all caravanners and campers, both new and experienced, about how to be safe and courteous on the road.
“We are sharing tips about pre-planning your trip, managing fatigue, appropriate use of rest stops including truck rest areas, vehicle preparation, sharing the road with trucks, UHF communication and towing,” Mr Howard explained.
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The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has worked in partnership with other state caravan associations, service providers and other relevant bodies, such as the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Queensland Trucking Association, to develop educational assets for campers to access for free – both online and printed.
This is in the form of easy to digest videos, engaging online quizzes, booklets and stories across Email, social media, and websites.
Click the below websites for more details.
• National Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide
• Co-Exist, Road sharing with heavy vehicles
National Road Safety Week (16-23 May) is an initiative of the SARAH Group.
More information is available, here.
Main image: Thank you to Fraser Coast RV Park for supplying the main image for this story. Fraser Coast RV Park offers all types of camping and onsite options including its Gypsy Wagon and 5-star timber cabin with outdoor bath. The venue in River Heads is wheelchair accessible and dog friendly. Click the link below to visit their website.
