The increasing popularity of caravanning across Australia has raised concerns about road safety, particularly with the growing number of caravans on the road.
With over 900,000 registered recreational vehicles in the country, industry leaders are calling for improved driver education to ensure safety on the roads.
A recent fatality on South Australia’s Stuart Highway, where a 71-year-old man lost control while towing a caravan, has prompted renewed discussions about driver training.
In 2024, there were 37 crashes involving caravans, highlighting the risks associated with towing.
Currently, there are no specific licensing requirements for drivers towing caravans, and a survey of 18,000 Yahoo readers found that 73 percent believe that specialized licensing should be mandatory.
However, industry leaders, including Jason Plant, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CTIAQ), argue against mandatory licensure. Plant suggests that a better solution would be increased access to towing courses and expanded educational initiatives.
“The key to improving safety on the roads is equipping drivers with the necessary skills through subsidized courses,” said Plant in a report by Yahoo! News.
He advocates for a $2 million nationwide safety program aimed at educating drivers on safe towing practices. This initiative would focus on common issues, such as proper loading techniques and navigating challenging weather conditions.
Plant emphasized, “Investments in safer roads and educational programs are essential to sustaining this growth and supporting the communities that rely on caravanning.”
While the majority of the caravan industry supports educational programs, there is some debate.
Dr. Michael Kane, head of Public Policy at the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), believes there isn’t enough evidence to justify changes in licensure requirements.
“Between 2017 and 2021, around 4% of fatal crashes in Queensland involved a light vehicle towing a trailer or caravan, but we don’t know enough about the circumstances to determine if a separate caravan license is needed,” he said.
Experts in road safety, like Natalie Watson-Brown from Queensland University of Technology, argue that voluntary training may not reach high-risk drivers.
Watson-Brown pointed out that drivers may not recognize all the risks involved in towing until it’s too late, making mandatory training a more comprehensive solution.
John Eggenhuizen, a veteran trainer of caravan operators, also believes that education is essential.
“As soon as you buy the gear, learn how to use it correctly,” he stressed, underscoring the importance of confidence and skill-building for drivers across the country.
The debate continues, but the focus remains on improving driver knowledge and safety on the road, helping to support the $27 billion caravan industry, which plays a crucial role in regional tourism and local economies.