The Christmas break is one of the busiest travel periods in Queensland. Roads carry more traffic, trips are longer, and drivers often feel rushed or tired. These conditions increase the risk of accidents, especially on highways and regional routes. This guide gives you simple and practical steps that help you travel safely and enjoy the holiday season.
Holiday travel often leads to the same issues each year. Fatigue builds during long trips. Drivers increase their speed to “make up time.” Distraction becomes more common with full cars, navigation changes, and phone use. Understanding these risks helps you make safer choices before you start your journey.
Why holiday driving can be more dangerous
The Christmas period has a higher number of serious crashes in Queensland. Traffic increases as people travel between cities, regional towns, and holiday destinations. Drivers often spend more hours on the road, which raises the chance of fatigue and inattention.
Queensland recorded 302 road deaths in 2024, the highest in 15 years. Speeding, fatigue, drink and drug driving, distraction, and seatbelt misuse were major factors in these incidents. These risks rise during the holidays because more people are travelling long distances in a short window.
Unfamiliar routes also play a role. Many drivers take roads they do not use during the year, including long stretches of highway with fewer facilities. These conditions increase the chance of mistakes, slow reaction times, or poor judgment under pressure.
Being aware of these risks helps you prepare before you leave and encourages safer decisions throughout your trip.
Plan ahead before you start your trip
Planning your drive helps reduce stress and lowers your risk on busy Christmas roads. Start by mapping your route and noting where you can stop for breaks, fuel, food, and rest. Queensland has many rest areas and Driver Reviver sites that operate during peak holiday periods.
Check your vehicle before you leave. Look at tyre pressure, fluid levels, lights, wipers, and brakes. A quick inspection helps prevent mechanical issues during long drives.
Set realistic travel times. Holiday traffic often moves slower than usual, so allow extra time for delays. Rushing increases fatigue and leads to unsafe decisions.
Make sure you also plan for the weather. Queensland storms are common in December, and heavy rain or flooding can change driving conditions quickly. You can check road updates at: https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/
Taking a few minutes to plan your trip helps you stay calm, focused, and prepared for holiday travel conditions.
Manage fatigue, speed, distraction, and impairment
Fatigue is one of the biggest risks during Christmas travel. Driving tired slows your reaction time and affects your judgment. Queensland’s road safety data shows that being awake for more than 17 hours can affect you in a similar way to driving over the legal alcohol limit.
A simple way to reduce fatigue is to stop every two hours. Short breaks help you reset, stretch, and stay alert. If you feel drowsy, pull over safely and rest. Do not push through tiredness.
Speeding also increases the severity of crashes. Higher speeds reduce your ability to react and make it harder to control your vehicle when traffic suddenly slows or the weather changes. Slowing down gives you more time to avoid a mistake.
Distraction remains a major contributor to Queensland crashes. Mobile phone use is illegal while driving and leads to heavy penalties. Even small distractions, such as adjusting navigation or talking to passengers, can take your eyes off the road long enough to miss hazards.
Alcohol and drugs present serious risks. Many Christmas gatherings involve drinking, which increases the chance of impaired driving. If you plan to drink, arrange another way to travel. Never rely on guesswork to determine whether you are safe to drive.
Managing these four factors, fatigue, speed, distraction, and impairment, helps protect you and the people around you throughout the holiday season.
Use rest stops and take regular breaks
Long holiday trips are safer when you schedule regular stops. A short break helps reset your focus and lowers your chance of fatigue. Queensland recommends stopping every two hours on long drives to rest, stretch, and hydrate.
Driver Reviver sites operate at key points across the state during the Christmas period. Volunteers offer free tea, coffee, and snacks to help drivers take a proper break. These stops sit along major highways and popular holiday routes, making them easy to include in your travel plan.
Standard rest areas are also available throughout Queensland. Many offer shaded spaces, toilets, and safe areas for passengers to move around.
Keep every passenger safe
Passenger safety plays a major role in reducing harm during Christmas travel. Every person in the car must wear a seatbelt. This includes adults in the back seat, even on short trips. Queensland crash data shows that many deaths each year involve people who were not wearing a seatbelt.
Children must be secured in the correct restraint for their age and size. Check that child seats are fitted correctly and that harnesses sit flat and snug. Misused restraints increase the risk of injury, even at low speeds.
Secure all loose items before you leave. Bags, prams, groceries, sports gear, and Christmas gifts can become dangerous projectiles during sudden braking or a crash. Position heavier items low and secure them when possible.
Keep the cabin calm and organised. Full cars during holiday travel create more noise and movement, which can distract the driver. Plan entertainment for children, set up navigation before moving, and encourage passengers to help maintain a safe, quiet environment when the road becomes busy or unpredictable.
What to do if you are involved in a crash
If a crash happens during holiday travel, staying calm helps you manage the situation safely. Start by checking for injuries. Call 000 if anyone is hurt or if vehicles are blocking the road. Move to a safe place if it is possible and safe to do so.
Exchange details with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, licence numbers, and vehicle registration. Take clear photos of the scene, vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These details help with insurance and later assessments.
If the crash involves injuries, you may need to report it to police.
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to appear, especially after the stress of a crash. A medical record also helps if you need to make an insurance or compensation claim.
Keep all documents, including medical notes, receipts, and repair quotes. These support any claim you may need to make later.
Once immediate safety steps are taken, you can get advice about your options. A clear understanding of your rights helps you make informed decisions after a holiday road accident.
Safe driving checklist for the Christmas holidays
A simple checklist helps you stay organised and reduces stress before and during your trip. Use these points as a quick guide for safer holiday travel:
- Plan your route ahead of time.
- Note rest stops and Driver Reviver locations.
- Check weather and road updates.
- Inspect tyres, lights, wipers, and fluid levels.
- Take a break every two hours.
- Avoid driving when tired.
- Do not use your phone while driving.
- Keep to the speed limit.
- Make sure all passengers wear seatbelts.
- Use the correct child restraint for each child.
- Secure loose items inside the vehicle.
- Avoid alcohol or drugs before driving.
- Know what to do if a crash occurs.
This checklist helps you stay focused on small steps that make a big difference during the Christmas period.
Enjoy the holidays and stay safe on the road
Safe driving helps you and your loved ones enjoy the Christmas season without added stress. Taking your time, planning your breaks, and staying alert on busy roads reduces the chance of a serious incident. A few simple choices before and during your trip can make your journey safer and more comfortable.
If a road accident does occur and you need guidance, support is available. You can get clear information about your rights, your options, and the steps involved in making a claim. Our team at Rin Kim Law offers calm, straightforward advice for people dealing with injuries after holiday crashes. We are here to help you understand the process and support you through each stage if you choose to pursue a car accident claim.
Drive safely, take care on Queensland roads, and enjoy a safe and peaceful Christmas break.
