Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges residents are being urged to stay safe on the roads as they embark on the first holiday period free of Covid-19 restrictions since 2019.
With thousands of people heading away on road trips to tourist hot spots or many taking the opportunity to relax at home, RACV Policy Lead – Safety, Elvira Lazar and RACV General Manager Home, Darren Turner, have provided some timely advice.
“We’re all really excited about the Easter holidays and the opportunities for travel and reunion. At this time, we need to take a moment to think about safety on the road and in the home,” Ms Lazar said.
“Take the time to plan your trip before you depart, attempting to take major, more well-maintained roads where possible.
“To stay aware of potential emergency warnings and community information that could impact travel, utilise resources such as the RACV arevo app, and the VicEmergency app – the official Victorian Government app.
“Schedule some breaks to ensure you’re well rested and have patience for your fellow motorists. Before you head off, make sure your insurance policies and RACV roadside assistance are up to date and that the water, oil and tyre pressure are all where they should be.”
In addition to ensuring their road trip is as safe as possible, there’s a lot that can be done to ensure Victorians do not return home to a different kind of tragedy, says Darren Turner.
“There are measures we can take to protect our homes and possessions while we are away,” Mr Turner said.
“Make a trusted neighbour aware of your absence and wherever possible, set a timer for some lights to come on at night. Double check that every single door and window is locked properly.
“For those planning to make up for lost time with more than one holiday in 2022, it’s worth considering installing an alarm system to protect your home and its contents – for a small monthly fee your peace of mind will improve whether you’re going away for a weekend or three weeks.”
