Planning a road trip this school holiday?

Motorist urged to drive to the conditions of the roads and slow down

The school gates are about to slam shut tomorrow afternoon for the Easter school holiday period.

Many families will no doubt be planning what they need to pack for their pending trip, whether it be a fishing, camping or a driving trip to visit family or friends.

As you prepare to take off on your journey consider the following:

• Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and has plenty of oil, fuel and water;
• Ensure your vehicle has been serviced and tyres are in a safe and well maintained condition;
• Plan your travel route carefully in advance;
• Be sure to check weather and road conditions prior to travel;
• Ensure you have ample food and water for the journey;
• Ensure you carry suitable safety equipment and communications for your trip;
• Ensure you leave clear trip plans with someone reliable so that if you don’t return by an agreed time, a search can be started.

 Before you hit the road, consider the following 10 Home Security Tips:

• Ensure all doors and windows are locked securely using a key locking system, not just flicking the latch locked on security screens;
• Hide valuables in a safe place or remove them from clear view;
• Remove carkeys and ensure they are properly secured at all times;
• Arrange for a trusted friend or relative to ‘house sit’ or check on your property whilst you are away;
• Arrange for your mail to be collected or redirected;
• Secure your wheelie bins;
• Lock away tools, ladders and anything that can be used to access your home, garage or shed;
• Arrange for a neighbour to park their car in your driveway occasionally to give the impression that someone is coming and going;
• Make your home looked lived in, have the grass mowed, junk mail removed or leave some inexpensive items such as tea towels on the clothes line;
• Do not leave keys concealed in ‘hiding spots’ outside your home.

  Police are reminding motorists to drive to current road conditions

Motorists travelling in the far north need to be familiar with the capabilities of their vehicles when travelling on unsealed dusty roads.

Motorists need to turn headlights on,  slow down and drive to the conditions when visibility is poor. You should consider stopping if you can’t see the road in front of you.

Remember the Fatal Five

1. Think before you drink – don’t drink and Drive;
2. Slow down and stick to the speed limits;
3. No seatbelt – No chance;
4. Driver Fatigue can be fatal – rest and revive regularly;
5. Avoid distractions – no mobile phones! Pay attention to the job at hand, driving.

All motorists travelling in far northern areas of Queensland are encouraged to research the area as many locations throughout Cape York have alcohol restrictions in place.

These restrictions either ban or limit the amount and type of alcohol you can take into a community.

The Playing Safe in the Far North Checklist card is available at the Cairns Police Station in Sheridan Street and available at Playing Safe in the Far North Safety Checklist Guide

For more information about driving in remote areas go to: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Driver-guide/Driving-safely/Driving-in-the-outback.aspx

For more information about the alcohol restrictions go to: http://www.datsima.qld.gov.au/atsis/everybodys-business/alcohol-restrictions-for-travellers