Rural Road Safety Month: mycar’s tips to keep you safe on rural roads

Beyond Rural Road Safety Month: Why vehicle checks should be a year-round priority

As Rural Road Safety Month draws to a close, the need for vigilance on our roads remains as urgent as ever. Australians in rural and regional areas are still five times more likely to die in a road crash than their city counterparts. While infrastructure and speed limits play a role, driver behaviour and vehicle preparedness are equally important.

The overlooked factor: vehicle maintenance

One of the most underestimated aspects of rural road safety is regular vehicle servicing. Long distances, higher speeds, and limited access to emergency services mean that even minor mechanical issues can quickly escalate. Regular servicing isn’t just good practice – it's a frontline safety measure.

Encouragingly, there has been a series of steps taken to improve rural road safety more widely. The NSW Government has committed $46 million to upgrade high-risk corridors – adding features like shoulder widening and audio tactile line markings to help reduce serious crashes.

Nationally, new road rules are also coming into effect, which have introduced tougher penalties for speeding and mobile phone use, along with mandatory safety tech like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and better fatigue management for long-distance drivers.

In addition, the Black Spot Program has seen a major boost – with funding increased to $150 million for 2026 to upgrade high-risk crash locations across the country.

These are important steps, but they must be supported by consistent vehicle maintenance to prevent breakdowns and accidents – especially in remote areas where help isn’t always close by.

Cost-of-living is impacting car care

Despite the critical importance of vehicle servicing, economic pressures are reshaping how Australians care for their cars. According to the mycar Mobility Index 2025, two-thirds (66%) of drivers have changed their maintenance habits due to rising costs.

As drivers feel the pinch, one in six (17%) admit to extending the time between regular services to save money, while a further 12 percent have taken matters into their own hands – performing maintenance tasks themselves rather than turning to professionals. While understandable, these choices carry real safety risks – especially on rural roads where help may be hours away.

Avoiding DIY shortcuts that compromise safety and making sure to service your car every six months – or every 10,000 km depending on which comes first – are all part of a holistic approach to ensuring you and your car are kept safe while out on the road.

Simple checks that make a difference

Safety starts with a reliable vehicle, and a reliable vehicle comes from regular checks and servicing. All drivers, especially those who spend a large majority of time driving on rural roads, should ensure vehicle servicing is routine, not just a once-a-year task.

Key checks to prioritise include:

• Tyres: Ensure they have adequate tread depth and the correct pressure. Worn or underinflated tyres reduce grip, increase stopping distances, and raise the likelihood of blowouts.

• Brakes: Test responsiveness and listen for unusual noises. Brakes are your primary safety system, especially on high-speed rural roads.

• Lights and indicators: Visibility is key, both for seeing and being seen. Replace bulbs promptly and clean lenses regularly.

• Fluid levels and filters: Oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid all play a role in smooth and safe operation.

Regular routine servicing is also just as important as these basic checks. A trained mechanic can identify issues that may not be visible to drivers and ensure that brakes, tyres, and other critical systems are in proper working order. Skipping these inspections or attempting DIY fixes without the right expertise may save money in the short term, but it can compromise safety in the long run.

A shared responsibility

Road safety is a shared responsibility – one that spans individuals, families, communities, and local authorities. While education and infrastructure play vital roles, the first and most immediate line of defence is a well-maintained, road-ready vehicle.

Rural Road Safety Month shines a spotlight on the challenges, but lasting change comes from consistent vigilance and everyday action.

A simple routine of inspections, servicing, and mindful driving ensures that the vehicles we rely on every day continue to serve us safely, no matter where the road takes us.