The combination of Easter roads filled with families in a hurry to get to holiday destinations – on unfamiliar roads and often driving late into the night – and poor preparation and planning, can be a deadly combination with tragic consequences.

“Part of the preparation for Easter travel should always include a safety check of the family car,” VACC Technical Manager Murray Liston said.

“How many times have we been confronted by cars with misaligned headlights, or worse, only one working effectively, when driving at night?

“This can be extremely dangerous for other road users who may be momentarily blinded by a flaring light or misjudge the distance to an on-coming car which has faulty lights.

“Poor tyres and worn shockers, particularly in heavily laden cars, are also an extreme hazard that few motorists fully understand. Poor tyres and shockers, particularly on secondary roads and on unexpected mid-corner bumps, can easily cause a car to run wide with deadly consequences on roads with narrow shoulders,” Mr Liston said.

“A simple five-point safety check of lights, brakes, suspension, tyres and restraints, performed by a qualified technician during normal servicing, can help keep your family safer on the roads this Easter.

“If motoring families also include a tune-up of the car as part of their Easter holiday pre-trip preparation, they will be amazed at the amount of fuel they will save by having a well-tuned and efficiently-performing engine.

“Lastly of course, drivers need to prepare themselves for the trip. Anyone driving late into the night on the end of a day’s work is at an increased risk of lapsing at the wheel, losing concentration, or falling asleep.

“So get a few good night’s sleep before setting off… and once on the road, enjoy the trip, but drive safely and with consideration for other drivers.” Mr Liston said.

For more information contact VACC Technical Manager Murray Liston on
9829 1188 or mobile 0418 506 156