We often don't think twice when it comes to driving with our loved ones, but when we have a delicate, cream topped dessert in the front seat, we'll drive as carefully as we can.

This year, ahead of one of the business times on our roads we conducted the ‘Pavlova Driving Study’. The study involved a survey of 1,059 Australian drivers and a driving experiment of 20 participants, monitoring drivers over an eight day period, looking at how they drove alone, with a child and with a pavlova.

The experiment found that 95% of the participants improved their skills when transporting a pavlova, compared to driving with a child or driving alone.

Commenting on these results, consumer psychologist, Dr. Adrian Camilleri said: “Many participants of the driving experiment were surprised to learn that they were more careful with a pavlova than with a child on our roads. However, over time, we know that driving becomes an automatic process that feels like being in autopilot mode – with or without kids in the back seat – and while in autopilot, we can fall into driving behaviours that contradict our best intentions.”

These holidays we’re reminding Australians to protect what's really precious. Their loved ones.

Here are a few of our top tips for staying safe on the roads during this period: