Road Trip! 

With the dawn of the final school term and warming weather, summer holidays are approaching around the bend. As international travel is not yet an option for families to use as a Christmas holiday, Australians are taking to exploring their own backyard and road trips are the flavour of 2021 (and 2020) to make use of this festive period.

However, embarking on such adventures can be quite perilous for both first-time and experienced road trippers, especially through the somewhat harsh and unforgiving Queensland outback. Here are some helpful tips to help you make the most out of your summer holiday on the road, whilst keeping safe and minimising risks of injury.

1. Ensure you pack all of the essentials: music and snacks are a must to keep the good vibes rolling but it does not end there. A first aid kit, spare tyre, water and map are very important as well, especially when a lack of internet coverage may hinder the use of trusty Google Maps. If you are not with the Telstra network, consider packing an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, just in case you run into any sticky situations.
2. Plan your journey well ahead of time: get familiar with the roads on your journey, seeing if your planned route may take you through any dirt or unsealed roads. The best way is to use the most up-to-date map you can, as trusty Google Maps may not give you an indication of what road type you will be traveling. Also check online to see if there is any road closures due to roadworks or rain damage, particularly when travelling in North Queensland. Finally, ensure you know where fuel stations are located along your journey so you can fill up regularly.
3. Stay vigilant while driving: the drive can get quite laborious at times when driving through remote Queensland as you may not come across another car or changing landscape for hours. Don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security as wildlife and damaged roads can become a danger to your car at any time. We unfortunately treat a number of individuals after suffering an injury from a motor vehicle accident and more can be done to prevent these in the first instance. Remember to be an observant driver at all times, and if you find yourself becoming fatigued ……
4. Take regular breaks and share the driving: you should aim to take a break from driving every 2 hours. Use this time for a toilet and coffee break, a walk in the fresh air to stretch the legs and recharge as a hole. Ensure that the driving is not left to one person otherwise taking regular breaks may not even help with the driver fatigue. This is also an important point from a musculoskeletal point of view. Changing postures and positions regularly, moving and stretching will help avoid those stiff necks and backs that tend to creep up on us with longer trips.
5. Take your time exploring our beautiful state: Don’t aim to drive long distances everyday – allocate extra time to visit various landscapes or attractions along the way. This will help break up the journey and monotonous driving but can also really add to the enjoyment and uniqueness of a road trip holiday.

The most important tip we can give you here at Ferry Rd Physio is to have a fun and safe holiday with your loved ones. Enjoy the experiences, listen to your body, rest, unwind and reset!

Adapted from Outback Queensland article: https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/news/9-tips-to-ensure-a-safe-road-trip-in-outback-queensland/