7 Safety Tips Before You Drive Off This Easter
Easter Road Trips Are Great – Until They’re Not: 7 Safety Tips Before You Drive Off
The Easter long weekend is one of the most popular travel periods on the Australian calendar. Families pile into cars, friends plan getaways, and highways fill with eager road trippers heading to the coast, the country, and everywhere in between. But with the increase in traffic, distractions, and fatigue comes a sobering reality: road accidents spike dramatically over Easter – especially in South Australia.
According to South Australia Police, the Easter break is consistently one of the most dangerous times of year for motorists. In recent years, local authorities have issued urgent warnings and launched public safety campaigns in the lead-up to the long weekend, urging drivers to take more care. Unfortunately, not everyone heeds the message — and for too many Australians, the trip doesn’t end as planned.
That’s why preparation is everything.
Before you hit the road, it’s worth taking just a few minutes to go through a proven safety checklist. In this article, we’ve outlined seven simple but powerful tips that can help you and your family stay safe during the Easter holidays. They cover everything from preparing your vehicle and minimising fatigue to avoiding the hidden risks that many drivers overlook. And, of course, we’ll share what to do if things don’t go to plan — and how Dynamic Paint N Panel can help get you back on the road, fast.
1. Plan Ahead and Allow Extra Travel Time
When it comes to Easter driving, being in a rush is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. The long weekend sees thousands of extra vehicles on the road, and that means more traffic, more delays, and a much greater risk of frustration-induced poor decisions — like speeding, tailgating, or overtaking when it’s not safe.
To stay safe, it’s essential to plan your route in advance. Check for road closures, holiday traffic alerts, and major events that may cause congestion. Apps like Google Maps and Live Traffic SA can help you choose the best time and route to travel. If you’re driving to regional or coastal areas, where mobile coverage may drop out, have a backup plan or save directions offline.
Allowing extra time also means you’re not tempted to cut corners. If you’re running late, it can be easy to skip rest breaks, ignore fatigue, or push the speed limit — all of which dramatically increase the chance of an accident. Police will be out in full force across South Australian roads during the Easter break, and fines for speeding or reckless driving can be steep.
Start early, stay calm, and take the scenic route if you have to. Giving yourself more time is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk and make sure you arrive safely — and stress-free.
2. Conduct a Pre-Trip Vehicle Check
Before you even leave the driveway, your first line of defence is making sure your vehicle is road-ready. It’s easy to assume your car is in good shape — especially if it’s been running fine during the daily commute — but long-distance holiday driving puts different kinds of stress on your vehicle. A quick inspection now could save you from a dangerous (and expensive) breakdown later.
Start with your tyres. Check the pressure — including the spare — and make sure the tread isn’t too worn. In wet or unfamiliar conditions, good tyre grip is essential for maintaining control, especially at highway speeds. Then move on to the basics: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid, and lights. Make sure your indicators, brake lights, headlights, and hazard lights are all functioning correctly.
Don’t forget your windscreen wipers. If they leave streaks or squeak loudly, replace them before you go. Visibility is key, particularly if you’re travelling in the early morning, late afternoon, or through sudden downpours.
Even a loose battery terminal or an under-inflated tyre can quickly turn a relaxed road trip into a frustrating roadside delay. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your car’s condition, book a quick service or safety check at your local mechanic before heading out.
Being proactive about your car’s condition isn’t just smart — it’s one of the best ways to protect your family and avoid an accident during this high-risk time of year.
3. Avoid Driving Under the Influence
Holiday weekends like Easter often involve catch-ups, BBQs, winery visits, and celebrations — all of which commonly include alcohol. But getting behind the wheel after drinking, or even while under the lingering effects the next morning, is one of the deadliest mistakes a driver can make. In South Australia, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a factor in around 30% of fatal road crashes.
Even small amounts of alcohol can slow your reaction time, reduce coordination, and impair judgement — all of which are critical for safe driving. And it’s not just alcohol: recreational drugs, and even some prescription medications, can severely affect your ability to drive. Many people mistakenly assume they’re fine to drive after a few hours’ rest, but blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can remain over the legal limit the next morning, especially after a big night.
Police ramp up random breath and drug testing during long weekends like Easter, and penalties for drink or drug driving are severe — including instant licence suspension, hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time in serious cases.
The safest choice? If you’re planning to have a few drinks, plan not to drive. Designate a driver, use rideshare apps, or stay the night. It’s simply not worth the risk — to your life, your passengers, or anyone else on the road. Dynamic Paint N Panel is here if something goes wrong, but we’d much rather you arrive safely and never need us.
4. Take Regular Breaks to Combat Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most underestimated dangers on Australian roads — especially during long weekend road trips. In fact, driving while tired can be just as risky as driving under the influence, with slower reaction times, lapses in concentration, and micro-sleeps all contributing to serious accidents. According to the Australian Road Safety Foundation, fatigue is a contributing factor in up to 30% of fatal crashes on our roads.
Easter road trips often involve early starts, long distances, and busy days, all of which can wear you down more than expected. Add in warm weather, full bellies, and monotonous stretches of highway, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for drowsy driving.
The solution is simple: stop every two hours for at least 15 minutes. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee, switch drivers if you can, and avoid heavy meals before or during the trip. Plan your route to include rest areas, scenic lookouts, or small town stops where you can take a proper break — it’s good for your body and your mind.
If you start to feel tired — even just a bit — don’t push through it. Turn up the music, open a window, or pull over and rest. A 20-minute power nap can make a huge difference.
Remember, the goal of the trip is to enjoy your time away — not to get there in record time. A well-rested driver is a safer driver, and that’s the best gift you can give your passengers this Easter.
5. Minimise Distractions While Driving
Modern cars are packed with tech, and smartphones put the world at our fingertips — but when you’re behind the wheel, distractions can be deadly. According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, using a mobile phone while driving (even hands-free) quadruples your risk of a crash. Texting, scrolling, changing music, or adjusting navigation settings takes your eyes — and mind — off the road, even if only for a few seconds. That’s all it takes.
This Easter, make it a priority to minimise distractions before your trip begins. Set your GPS destination before you leave. If you’re using your phone for music or maps, ensure it’s mounted securely and notifications are muted. Activate ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ mode — most modern phones offer it — so you’re not tempted to glance at incoming messages or calls.
For families travelling with kids, plan ahead with snacks, games, or pre-loaded movies to keep backseat passengers entertained and reduce the need for constant attention from the driver. If you’re travelling with pets, make sure they’re safely restrained so they don’t cause chaos mid-drive.
Even a moment of distraction can lead to disaster — especially in holiday traffic where sudden stops, unpredictable drivers, and changing conditions are common. Staying focused behind the wheel is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
At Dynamic Paint N Panel, we’ve seen the aftermath of distracted driving far too often. A few seconds of attention now could save you days or weeks of repair later.
6. Be Vigilant on Regional and Rural Roads
Many Easter travellers head to regional and rural parts of South Australia — whether it’s the coast, the hills, or outback towns. These quieter roads may seem safer than busy city highways, but they come with their own set of hidden risks. In fact, the majority of fatal road crashes in Australia occur on rural roads, not urban ones.
One of the biggest hazards is wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk. Kangaroos, wombats, and even emus can appear suddenly, and swerving to avoid them often causes more damage than the impact itself. Reduce your speed in wildlife-prone areas and stay alert, particularly in low-light conditions. If you’re travelling through national parks or less-developed regions, keep your headlights on at all times to increase visibility.
Another factor is the quality of the road itself. Potholes, gravel shoulders, faded line markings, or single-lane bridges are more common outside metro areas. Add in narrow roads, unexpected sharp bends, and unfamiliar signage, and the chances of making a driving error increase.
Weather can also be unpredictable. A sudden rainstorm can turn a dusty road into a slippery hazard. Always drive to the conditions and slow down if visibility or traction is reduced.
The golden rule? Stay alert and don’t let the scenery lull you into a false sense of security. Enjoy the views, but never lose focus. Rural roads demand a different kind of driving — one that balances caution with awareness.
7. Wear Your Seatbelt – Every Trip, Every Time
It may seem like the most obvious rule on the road, but every year, people are seriously injured or killed in crashes because they weren’t wearing a seatbelt. Shockingly, in 2024 alone, dozens of lives were lost in South Australia due to drivers or passengers not being properly restrained. Many of these incidents occurred during holiday periods like Easter — when more people are on the road and complacency can creep in.
Wearing a seatbelt isn’t just the law — it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash. The difference between walking away and being seriously injured (or worse) often comes down to whether or not someone clicked that belt. And yet, people still make excuses: “I’m only going a short distance,” “I’m in the back seat,” or “It’s uncomfortable.” None of those reasons matter when something unexpected happens.
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up before you move — including kids in properly fitted child restraints. If your car hasn’t been checked in a while, inspect the seatbelt mechanism for wear or damage. And if you’re travelling with pets, they too should be properly restrained for everyone’s safety.
It takes two seconds to buckle up. It could save your life. At Dynamic Paint N Panel, we’ve seen too many crashes where a seatbelt could have made all the difference. Don’t take the risk — no matter how short the trip.
Conclusion: A Safe Trip Starts Before You Hit the Road
The Easter long weekend should be a time for rest, relaxation, and making memories with the people who matter most. But for far too many South Australians, it becomes a weekend they’ll never forget — for all the wrong reasons. With the spike in traffic, fatigue, and distractions, the roads become significantly more dangerous, and every decision behind the wheel carries more weight.
The good news? Most accidents are preventable. By planning ahead, checking your vehicle, staying alert, avoiding risky behaviour, and ensuring everyone is properly restrained, you dramatically reduce the chances of something going wrong. These aren’t just tips — they’re proven, life-saving habits.
If despite your best efforts something does happen — whether it’s a minor bingle, a panel scrape, or a more serious collision — know that help is close by. At Dynamic Paint N Panel, we’ve helped countless South Australians recover after an Easter road mishap. Our expert team is here to take the stress out of crash repairs, handle your insurance claims, and get your vehicle safely back on the road with minimal fuss.
We hope you never need us — but if you do, we’re ready. Until then, take it slow, stay safe, and enjoy your Easter travels with confidence.
Dynamic Paint N Panel – Trusted by South Australians, Easter and every day of the year.
