A new RAC survey has revealed 70 per cent of Western Australians have changed their travel plans due to COVID-19, with 65 per cent swapping an interstate or overseas trip for a holiday at home.
The survey of over 600 RAC members also found over 55 per cent of Western Australians have travelled within WA following the easing of intrastate travel restrictions, with 65 per cent planning to within the next three months.
RAC Executive General Manager Tourism Tony Pickworth said intrastate travel was not slowing down, with bookings for upcoming holiday periods filling up fast.
“Over the past three months, bookings across our parks and resorts have been up almost 30 per cent compared to last year,” Mr Pickworth said.
“For September and October, including the school holiday period, bookings are up 35 per cent, and for December and January, we’re predicting an almost 40 per cent increase.”
The increase in local holidays has also brought smiles to many furry faces, with 500 pets tagging along for a well-deserved vacation at caravan and camping sites at RAC Parks and Resorts during the month of August – a 55 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.
“It’s fantastic to see so many of us exploring our own backyard and supporting our regional areas which rely so heavily on local tourism,” Mr Pickworth said.
“Regional WA is home to some of the most beautiful places in the country but it’s also consistently overrepresented by road fatalities, making our regional roads some of the most dangerous.
“Heading into the long weekend and school holiday period, we’re urging road trippers to plan ahead and ensure they’re well prepared for the journey.
“We all deserve a safe and enjoyable break, so make safety your top priority by slowing down, driving to the conditions, ditching distractions and taking regular breaks.”
Double demerits are in force for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, from Friday 25 September to Monday 28 September inclusive.
RAC’s tips for a safe road trip
Prepare your car:
- Clean your windows and mirrors, fill your windscreen washer bottle and do oil, radiator and water checks
- Make sure you have enough fuel
- Make sure your tyres are properly inflated and they have enough tread
- Check that your spare tyre is secured and in good condition
- Check your lights and indicators are working
- Check your seat is in a good position for driving
- Plan your route so you know where you’re going
- Check where the rest stops and petrol stations are along the way
- Check the weather conditions before you leave
- Have plenty of drinking water
- Charge your phone and put it somewhere out of reach
Stay safe on the road:
- Slow down and reduce your speed for the conditions
- Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front
- Take breaks every two hours and if you feel tired, pull over somewhere safe straight away or swap drivers
- Limit your driving to less than eight hours a day and try to avoid driving at night
- Don’t overtake unless it’s safe to do so
- Keep your headlights on
- Stay alert for wildlife
- Be patient and when in doubt, don’t proceed
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