Brisbane, 11 April 2022

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Easter is known as the driving holiday so Allianz Global Assistance urges motorists to be extra vigilant this year after widespread flooding along the eastern seaboard compromised many highways and coastal roads.

Roadside technicians have reported a deterioration in the condition of the roads following the two recent rain events that caused historic floods throughout South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

This will also be the first Easter holidays in two years not impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns so combining this with the damage to main roads from flood waters, Allianz Global Assistance expects an increase in the number of callouts.

Over his 25 years working as a roadside assistance driver for Allianz Global Assistance, Gerry Gee recalls his important tips for a memorable Easter road trip this year:

1. Plan ahead – Be sure to plan your route in advance and leave with plenty of time to spare, and, if possible, avoid peak travelling times. Make sure you also keep an eye on the weather before you depart, as this might incur delays or hazardous conditions.
2. Drive to the conditions – With Australia experiencing unpredictable weather patterns with increased instances of flash flooding, make sure you drive to the conditions, be aware that roads may have changed since you last drove on them, and always safely pull over or delay your trip in dangerous weather. Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it.
3. Check your car before hitting the road – It may sound simple enough, but it’s important to make sure your car has a full tank of fuel. It’s also a good idea to check your oil and tyre pressure before setting off on your travels. An oil check will ensure your engine is properly lubricated in warmer weather.
4. Lock your car when no one is in the vehicle – This might seem a bit obvious but a new car means new keys and locking systems so familiarise yourself with the car’s central locking functions and double check it is safely locked before enjoying your new surroundings. Remember, if stepping away from the car (even for a moment!), to take your child or pet with you.
5. Take a break – Stop and take regular breaks so that you’re physically and mentally recharged. Wherever possible, share the driving with a friend or relative to avoid fatigue!
6. Make sure you have a roadside assistance membership – You never know when you may need assistance, so it’s important to ensure you’ve got support if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Researching and securing a roadside assistance provider who can meet your needs is an important item for any pre-trip list, to ensure you can get help when it’s most needed.

“It’s fair to say we’ve seen a lot on the road. It’s always better to be prepared and have your roadside assistance number handy, especially ahead of long road trips,” said Gerry Gee.

“It pays to give your vehicle a quick check before you hit the road as well, from tyre pressure to oil level so you can pick up any issues before you hit the road. We’re encouraging Aussies to wait until they have arrived at their destination before switching into holiday mode,” added Mr Gee.

More than 200,000 Australian drivers are rescued from roadside breakdowns every year through the assistance provided by Allianz Global Assistance, one of the world’s leading assistance companies.

Through the work of Allianz Global Assistance’s 24/7 call centre and emergency support team, hundreds of drivers throughout Australia are assisted in their times of need, each and every day.

For more information, please visit: https://www.allianzpartners.com.au/roadside-assistance/.

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Thrive PR | allianzpartners@thrivepr.com.au

Allianz Global Assistance provides a portfolio of assistance services to automotive manufacturers and partners. Driven to add value and benefit for our business partners, we deliver customised products and service solutions. We partner with over 40 car brands in more than 30 countries, providing solutions that can be embedded seamlessly inside client ecosystems. Our innovative experts go beyond insurance, focusing on technological mobility trends to anticipate and respond to changing consumer needs and behaviours. Allianz Global Assistance is a consumer brand reflecting the automotive business of Allianz Partners.