Top 7 tips for your summer road trip in 2023

Hitting the wide-open road with friends or family this summer?
Before you head off, it’s always best to prepare and know your limits on the road to help avoid accidents.
In fact, car dashcam manufacturer Nextbase has found that one in ten Australians had a car accident in 2021. That’s quite a lot of people if you think about it and typically occurs when people don't plan ahead.
“A road trip is an awesome way to enjoy the summer with your loved ones. I know my family and I adore them. Key to a great road trip is in the preparation to ensure we travel safely, for both us and other road users”, Reynolds said.
So, with the aim of reducing that figure further (ideally to zero), these are the top seven tips for road safety on your driving holiday - with added expert commentary from Supercar driver and brand ambassador, David Reynolds.
1. Plan your route before leaving
When you already know which way to go, you’ll spend less time looking at your GPS. This means you’ll be able to focus on the road and be more attuned to your surroundings.
Of course, you’ll likely still need to check your maps. Just don’t spend too long with your eyes glued to the screen!
Plus, planning ahead can remove the added stress of worrying about which exit to take. This could help you avoid making any last-second decisions to change lanes, resulting in an accident.
To make things even easier, have a trustworthy passenger next to you to sort out directions (along with a road-trip playlist, naturally).
If you don't have a GPS, and you're using your mobile phone, then make sure you remove as many distractions from your phone screen as possible.
Mobile phone use and distracted driving statistics show that mobile phones are a contributing factor in 46% of near crashes.
2. Take lots of breaks
Stop, revive, survive.
Driving is a tiring task, and driver fatigue is a very real issue on the roads.
According to Nextbase, 19% of Australians will spend more than 8 hours driving to see friends and family around Christmas time. That’s a full day of work!
As part of planning ahead for your trip, make sure you work out where you’ll be stopping at regular intervals on your journey.
Alternatively, plan when and where you’ll be giving the wheel to a road trip companion so that you can take a break.
3. Don’t drink and drive
While this message has no doubt been hammered into our brains since we were children, it still needs to be said: drinking and driving is straight-up negligent.
But the rule doesn’t just apply to those drinking over the legal limit.
Research from Nextbase found that 23% of Australians feel comfortable drinking before driving around Christmas time.
Alcohol is a depressant that can slow down your reactions and your spatial awareness, according to the Centre for Road Safety.
In fact, you don’t even have to be noticeably drunk for the effects of alcohol to impair your ability to drive.
“Driving under the influencer is never a good idea, and it’s even harder to not be tempted when you’re spending time among people who are drinking. The best way to keep safe if you’re driving especially around Christmas is to not drink and have a support system to keep to that commitment,” says Reynolds.
So, this summer, don’t drink if you know you’re going to be driving. It’ll keep you and your passengers safer, as well as others on the road.
4. Get your car serviced before you leave
Making sure your car is up to scratch for your road trip is vital. You don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere or get a flat tyre on the highway.
So, plan ahead by taking your car to a mechanic to get it serviced a week or two before you hit the road.
For extra peace of mind, do some DIY checks of your tyres, brakes, oil and coolant levels, and make sure your head and tail lights are in working order the day before you leave.
5. Don’t drive while tired
Driving drowsy can be as dangerous as driving drunk.
According to the Queensland government’s StreetSmarts initiative, being awake for 17 hours “has a similar effect on performance as having a blood alcohol content of 0.05.”
A study from Monash University found that drowsy driving contributes to 72,000 car accidents annually.
“You can’t let yourself get drowsy behind the wheel, it is just too dangerous for you and whoever you’re travelling with - as evidenced by these statistics,” says Reynolds. “Make sure you’re not letting yourself drive for too long at a time and get enough sleep too. I like to cap my driving stints to about three hours max.”
Instead, have someone else take over the driving while you get some rest on those longer trips. If you can’t, make sure you hop out, stretch your legs, relax, and get a bite to eat (or a coffee) before you take to the highway again.
6. Find your zen and avoid road rage
A study by Monash University found that almost 50% of Australian drivers engage in aggressive driving behaviours when they feel they’ve been slighted on the road.
These include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Dangerous overtaking
- Cutting people off
- Excessive horn honking
- Obscene gestures hurled out of the window.
Ironically, aggressive driving actually multiplies the odds of being involved in a collision 15-fold.
So, when you’re on the road and you perceive that someone has done the wrong thing, don’t make matters worse by lashing out with your 2-tonne potential death machine on wheels.
Instead, Reynolds urges drivers on their summer road trips to have some perspective.
“Hopefully with all your preparation and excitement for the trip you’re able to travel with smooth sailing,” says Reynold. “However, sometimes things don’t go according to plan, or people might get on your nerves on the road. Try your best to curb your rage and keep perspective while you’re away - keep calm and carry on!”
7. Check that your car insurance hasn’t lapsed
When you’re going to be driving for longer than you usually would, the risk of an accident is compounded.
By making sure that your car insurance policy is both up to date and will be active for the entirety of your trip, you can actually enjoy your holiday, as opposed to fretting about something going wrong.
Aside from compulsory third-party (CTP) car insurance being a legal requirement in Australia, it could be worth checking out more comprehensive car insurance policies too.
Comprehensive car insurance is the highest level of car insurance. Not only are you covered for all the things that CTP and third-party car insurance do, but it can also cover damage to your own car when you’re at fault.
While the cost of comprehensive car insurance varies depending on personal factors, it’s worth it to compare comprehensive car insurance to see if there’s a policy that works for you.
Check out some of the current policies and deals on offer below.
Car insurance comparisons on Mozo - rates updated daily
Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $550 - $1,900 (varies By State)
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- No Claim Discount
- Online Discount Up To 15%
Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Get award winning Car Insurance. Save 15% ^ on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new policy online. Budget Direct offers tailor-made cover, new-for-old replacement, 24/7 claims, a highly-rated claims service, and get a hire car following a theft.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 2 years or 40,000 kilometres of original registration, whichever comes first
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days, max $1,000 total.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days for at fault accidents.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $40 on every windscreen claim for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for drivers under 21, $500 for drivers under 24, $600 for unlisted drivers, $500 for inexperienced drivers.
- Roadside assistance
- Optional Extra
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $500 - $2,200
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- Online Discount $75
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Australia Post Comprehensive Car Insurance offers a broad range of coverage and includes cover for anyone who drives your vehicle. It also covers new car replacement if your recently purchased brand new car is written off within the first three years (provided it has travelled less than 60,000km). Save $75 when you buy online. T&C’s apply.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 3 years and 60,000 km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess ($0 excess for repair only). Option to reduce windscreen replacement excess to $0 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Automatically covered.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for listed drivers under 25, $1,600 for unlisted drivers under 25.
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- Receive a $100 online discount when you take out a new policy.
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Australia Post Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $400 - $2,500
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Youi like to get to know you from the very first conversation, which provides you with the opportunity to find comprehensive car insurance cover that could better suit your lifestyle and your needs. Because we’re all individuals, so we all use our cars differently from day-to-day. Youi is car insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 2 years and a listed driver is the first registered owner
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $50 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- Unlisted and aged 25 and over: $700, Unlisted and aged under 25: $2,000, Listed and aged under 25: $600
- Roadside assistance
- Yes
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Youi Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $300 - $2,550
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- Online Discount $75
Comprehensive Car Insurance
QBE’s Comprehensive Car Insurance covers you for things like accident damage, fire and theft. Enjoy three year new car replacement. Get a hire car if you’re not at fault. Lifetime repair guarantee. Save $75 when you apply online.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 3 years and 60,000 km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess ($0 excess for repair only). Option to reduce windscreen replacement excess to $0 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Automatically covered.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for listed drivers under 25, $1,600 for unlisted drivers under 25.
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC NT TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about QBE Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Hot DealGet 22% off the first two months after purchasing a new policy by 25/10/23 - use BDAY22 at checkout. And go in the draw to win $10k. T&Cs, underwriting criteria apply. Minimum premiums may apply.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes
- Choice of repairer
- No
- Choice of excess
- $800 Flat Excess Fee
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed
Available discounts
Comprehensive Car Insurance
ROLLiN’ put their customers in the driver’s seat by offering great value comprehensive car insurance with no additional excess for young drivers. Zero cancellation fees, 24/7 claims support via phone and a policy paid monthly. Plus, you can list multiple cars and drivers under the one policy, as long as they fit the underwriting criteria
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 15,000km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 21 days, max $80 per day after a covered event
- Rental car after accident
- Yes - Up to 21 days, max $80 per day after a covered event
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - $0 windscreen excess
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- No additional excess for young drivers. $3,000 for unlisted drivers
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- Optional benefit to boost the Single Car Value by 15%, it will be shown on your Insurance Certificate
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC NT TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about ROLLiN' Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $550 - $1,900 (varies By State)
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- No Claim Discount
- Online Discount 15% Discount On First Year’s Premium
- Restricted Drivers Discount Available
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Save 15% on your first year’s premium when you buy online with Virgin Car Insurance. Manage your policy online 24/7.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 2 years or 40,000 kilometres of original registration, whichever comes first
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days, max $1,000 total.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra, up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $40 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for drivers under 21, $500 for drivers aged 21 to 24 inclusive, $600 for unlisted drivers, $500 for inexperienced drivers.
- Roadside assistance
- Optional Extra
- Other benefits
- Save 15% on the first years premium when purchased online with a 21-day cooling off period. Up to 10,000 Velocity points for policies purchased by 26 March 2024.
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC NT TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Virgin Money Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Yes, Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $500 - $2,300
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- Online Discount $115 Off For New Online Insurance Policies.
- $115 Off For New Online Insurance Policies. Plus, $5 Monthly Kogan.com Credit For Every Month For Policy Is Active.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Covers damage caused in an accident, weather events, fire and theft, plus damage your car causes to other people’s vehicles and property. Choose to add on a number of optional extras. Score $115 off new online Comprehensive Car Insurance policies (T&Cs apply). $5 Kogan.com credit when you get a quote (min. spend $100, 1 per customer). $10 monthly kogan.com credit (T&Cs apply).
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 3 years of original registration and driven less than 60,00km.
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days, reasonable daily cost.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes, reasonable costs. At fault - Optional Extra, reasonable costs.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - repairs to windscreen, sunroof or window glass without excess. Option to waive excess for windscreen claims for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for listed drivers under 25, $1,600 for unlisted drivers under 25
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- $5 Kogan.com credit when a quote is bought.T&CS apply.
- Other restrictions
- Legal liability is an Optional Extra and not included in standard policy.
- States where offered
- SA VIC NT TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Kogan Insurance Comprehensive Car Insurance