New research reveals why education is key to fostering safe and responsible caravanning in Queensland
Queensland shows no sign of road trips slowing down with the Sunshine State continuing to lead the charge with the highest number of registered recreational vehicles across the country, with an increase by over 17% in the last 4 years¹.
But despite the growing popularity in recreational road travel, additional data² has found that several recreational vehicle owners feel a sense of concern while driving, which may be attributed to their additional loads or simply the road users around them.
The survey revealed drivers towing a caravan or RV feel nervous (23%) or hesitant (9%) when sharing the road with other vehicle types. A small but concerning group also expressed feeling panicked (11%) when sharing the road with other large vehicles.
The data released by Queensland’s peak caravanning industry body, Caravanning Trade and Industries Association of Queensland, comes off the back of figures from Australia’s peak motoring body (The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics) revealing an 11.2% annual increase in road deaths, the worst road toll the nation has seen in more than a decade.
The stress felt on our roads could be because of lack of education on safe caravan practices, with only 7% of Queensland RV owners proactively seeking safety guidance prior to hitting the road. On a more positive note, 80% of RV owners admitted that they’d change how they prepare for a road trip after learning more about the safety guidelines for caravans and RVs.
Despite the negative statistics, there are positive steps drivers can take to better equip themselves for their next caravan journey and create a culture of safety and responsibility within the caravanning community.
Jason Plant, CEO of Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland says the research simply reinforces the importance of continued road safety education for all road users, as well as the continued promotion of safe caravanning practices for RV owners.
“Queensland’s roads can take us to some incredible places to see all our state has to offer, and caravanning is a great way to travel,” said Jason.
“But every road user has a responsibility to help create safer roads. And for new or returning RV owners, they have the added responsibility of educating themselves on how to tow confidently, safely and compliantly, before they even hit the road.”
Where to learn about caravanning safety
Drivers of recreational vehicles can gain access to vital caravanning safety education at the the 2024 Let’s Go Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo, rolling into the Nambour Showgrounds from August 16 to 18.
With two sessions per day on offer, the Weight and Towing Masterclasses held by experts Jeff Palmer (Tow-Ed), Gary Gardiner (Total Towing Setups) and Dave Lewis (Weightcheck) offers a one-stop-shop to learn about all things caravan and RV safety.
With invaluable lessons to be learned by budding and experienced RV owners, the 12:30 pm session will call on audience volunteers to test their weight knowledge by loading up the demo caravan to a compliant weight.
For more information about the event and its safety masterclass, please visit Caravanning Queensland.
