RV road trip safety: Learn about rest stops, Driver Reviver, and truck bay etiquette.
Take a Break, Take Your Time: Maximising Your RV Road Trip with Smart Rest Stops
With the excitement of another adventure taking over, it's easy to become consumed with planning the perfect road trip. Things like mapping out the best routes, researching must-see landmarks and daydreaming about the experiences ahead often take centre stage. The anticipation of discovering new places and the freedom of the open road can be intoxicating. However, amid all this enthusiasm, one crucial element is frequently overlooked: Rest stops.
Rest stops play an essential role in the overall safety and enjoyment of a road trip, especially in a vast and diverse country like Australia. These designated spaces are strategically located along highways and major roads, offering drivers the opportunity to stop, stretch their legs, have a meal, or refresh themselves. They vary in size and amenities, but all serve one common purpose – ensuring road users stay safe, alert and well-rested.
Where to Find Road Trip Rest Stops
There are plenty of places for you to stop on your next road trip.
1. Rest areas
These are areas that usually offer facilities such as parking bays, shaded areas, picnic tables and toilets. They provide a safe spot to pull over and take a short break, helping reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents. In more remote areas, these stops are often the only places for many kilometres where drivers can safely rest.
Some rest areas also allow for overnight stays, particularly for RV travellers. However, not all do. Signage at the locations or information from local councils will clarify whether overnight camping is permitted. It's important for travellers to respect these rules, as they are in place to balance the needs of all road users and preserve the condition of these facilities.
Depending on which State or Territory you are in, you'll find different types of rest areas. Some cater to both motorists and trucks, with their own designated space, of course. Others are only accessible by motorists, and some can only be accessed by trucks.
2. Driver Reviver rest stops
Driver Reviver rest stops are a unique and admirable feature of Australia's road safety landscape. Staffed by volunteers and often operating during holiday periods or high-traffic times, these stops provide free tea, coffee and biscuits to weary drivers. More than 180 Driver Reviver locations exist across the country, typically set up during long weekends and holiday seasons when road traffic increases.
The goal of these sites is simple: To reduce road trauma by encouraging drivers to stop, rest and rehydrate. They serve as a gentle reminder that even if you feel fine, taking a 15-minute break can significantly improve concentration and reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
3. Service centres
These are the most developed types of rest stops – often featuring petrol stations, food outlets, toilets, and even showers in some cases. They're ideal for longer breaks, refuelling, or enjoying a proper meal. Service centres are typically located near major cities and along key transport routes, providing convenience and comfort to both local and long-distance travellers.
Responsible Use of Rest Stops by RV Travellers
The use of rest areas by RV travellers has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the rise of nomadic lifestyles, grey nomads, and the appeal of exploring Australia in a self-contained vehicle. While this mode of travel is an excellent way to experience the country, it has also brought challenges.
Some RV travellers have gained a poor reputation for misuse of rest stops. This includes overstaying time limits, setting up camp in prohibited areas, and occupying truck bays. These behaviours can strain local communities, increase maintenance costs, and reduce the availability of these resources for others.
To avoid these issues, RV users should always check local rules, obey signage, and follow the principle of 'leave no trace'. That means taking all rubbish with you, not discharging waste at the site unless appropriate facilities are available, and limiting your stay to what is legally allowed. Being a courteous and respectful road user ensures rest areas remain accessible, clean, and safe for all.
Consideration for Heavy Vehicles at Rest Stops
We share the roads with trucks, and in most cases, we also share rest stops. One often-overlooked aspect of rest area etiquette is the designated spaces for heavy vehicles, such as trucks. These areas are legally mandated to provide truck drivers with required rest breaks, ensuring they do not exceed maximum allowable driving hours. Fatigue is a major contributor to road accidents, and regulations exist to enforce rest periods for the safety of both truck drivers and the general public.
Unfortunately, when RV travellers or other drivers occupy these designated truck bays, it can create serious issues. Trucks may be forced to continue driving in search of another stop, potentially breaching legal requirements and putting everyone at risk. Moreover, such actions can result in costly fines for truck drivers through no fault of their own.
RV users are encouraged to be mindful and avoid parking in these designated truck areas. Signage is usually clear, and it's a simple matter of respect and consideration. By doing so, travellers help ensure that everyone has access to the facilities they need to stay safe on the road.
Need to Plan Your Rest Stops?
The CMCA Traveller app is the perfect travel companion for planning your rest breaks. Using this travel app and website gives you the opportunity to search for rest areas and service centres on your chosen travel route. Represented as a point of interest on the map, you will be able to click on the icon and view the different facilities available at each stop. The CMCA Traveller app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store or viewed HERE.
