Whether you’re driving, ridesharing or car‑pooling to patrol, a little planning keeps you safer and on time — and saves money.
Pre‑trip basics (monthly five‑minute check)
- Tyres: Pressure and tread (uneven wear = alignment issue).
- Fluids: Oil, coolant, washer.
- Lights & wipers: See and be seen.
- Brakes & sounds: If anything feels/sounds off, book a check.
Your glovebox kit
Phone charger, reusable water bottle, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunnies, basic first aid, small torch, spare $20, and a printed emergency contact card. Add a cheap poncho and a muesli bar — they’ve saved more days than you think.
Fatigue: the silent risk
After late shifts or big training days, plan extra time, swap drivers, or adjust your roster. Micro‑breaks (walk, stretch, water) help more than another coffee. If you feel drowsy, pull over somewhere safe. No story is worth a microsleep.
Coastal driving quirks
Sand on roads, sudden storms, sun‑glare and tourists braking unexpectedly. Increase following distance, keep washer fluid topped up, and slow down in heavy rain. Never drive through floodwater; turn around and pick another route.
Gear transport
Secure boards, IRB parts and rescue gear properly. Double‑check straps before speed; don’t rely on old bungees. Inside the car, loose gear becomes a projectile in a hard stop — pack low and tight.
Rideshare and car‑pooling
Share trip details with a friend if using rideshare late. In carpools, agree fuel/parking splits up front, and be clear on pick‑up times. Respect house rules if you’re collecting someone (no beeping at 6 am!).
Night driving tips
Clean the windscreen inside and out; slow down in rain; use high beams responsibly. Watch for wildlife on regional roads — if you see eye shine, ease off the accelerator and be ready to stop.
If you break down
- Pull over safely with hazards on.
- Stay inside if you’re on a busy road; exit on the passenger side if you must.
- Call roadside assist and share your location.
- Use warning triangles if you have them and it’s safe.
- Tell your Patrol Captain you’re delayed and arrange cover.
Post‑incident calm
If you witness or experience a crash: make the area safe, call emergency services, provide first aid within your training, and only move vehicles if instructed. Swap details calmly and take photos. Debrief later — you’re human, and tough scenes can stick.
Money savers
Keep tyres inflated (fuel efficiency), split costs on carpools, and plan errands on the same run. A basic service on time is cheaper than ignoring an engine light. For longer trips, compare toll vs non‑toll routes — sometimes time is worth the few dollars, sometimes it isn’t.
Takeaway: Small checks + smart timing = less stress and safer arrivals. Future you will thank you for the boring prep you did today.