Summer 2021 has the potential to see multiple hazards converge to create risk on
Australian roads. A do-it-yourself pre-departure checklist has been issued by automotive
industry initiative Genuine is Best, as Australia prepares for holidays this summer.
With COVID19 uncertainty limiting international holidays, the combination of cars sitting
unused for months during lockdowns heading out to negotiate busier road networks amid
the volatile La Nina weather system, will create hazardous conditions.
This will require vehicle owners to take particular care before setting out on their summer
trip. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) initiative Genuine is Best has
prepared a simple, quick checklist to ensure drivers arrive safely.
The ’12 Checks of Christmas’ checklist is available at the Genuine is Best website.
https://genuineisbest.com.au/the-12-checks-of-christmas/.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the risk factors created a perfect storm for
dangerous road conditions.
“COVID has seen more of us driving to our domestic holiday destinations. This could be
the heaviest summer on our roads in our history,” said Mr Weber.
“The heat of Australian summer and the rapid weather changes of La Niña will put
pressure on cars that may not have had their normal maintenance due to lockdowns.
Throw the stress of the silly season, heavily laden vehicles, and drivers out of their comfort
zones into the mix. It’s a perfect storm.”
“This check has been prepared so it can be done without any mechanical knowledge. It’s
quick, easy and it might save you spending precious annual leave on the side of the road,
or worse.”
The FCAI’s Genuine is Best initiative focuses on the safety, performance and durability
benefits delivered by genuine replacement parts.
Genuine parts are made or selected by the vehicle’s maker and rigorously tested by that
maker as an integral component of the vehicle to meet high quality, safety and
performance standards. This ensures a vehicle will drive, function, and protect in the way it
was intended.
