Transport Accident Commission chief executive Tracey Slatter emphasised the urgency of the situation, insisting Victorians take extra care as they travel for the final days of the school holidays or to enjoy the long weekend.
“We’ve already seen too many lives lost on our roads this year, and we don’t want that to continue,” she said.
“We need to look out for each other on the roads and make sure every journey is a safe one.”
Ms Slatter highlighted the simple yet effective measures drivers could take, such as reducing speed, putting away phones, wearing seatbelts and avoiding driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“There is nothing more important than arriving at your destination safely,” she said.
The issue of driver fatigue looms large, contributing to 16 to 20 per cent of all road crashes in Victoria, as even a brief four-second doze behind the wheel at 100 km/h can see a vehicle to travel an alarming 111m.
To reduce fatigue, road-trippers should prioritise rest and proper planning.
It’s important to allow ample travel time, take a break every two hours and, if possible, swap drivers.
Another option is to stop at one of the TAC’s 15 Pause Stop locations at visitor information centres across the state, designed to encourage motorists to take breaks.
Each Pause Stop location provides resources for planning a safe journey, information on avoiding drowsy driving and activities to keep children entertained.
On Saturday, January 25, travellers on the Hume Hwy can stop at the Balmattum rest area’s Pause Stop, featuring free barista coffee, family games, children’s activities and even a power nap space for weary drivers.
The SES will also activate its Driver Reviver sites this weekend, further promoting road safety.
“Getting to your destination later than planned is better than not arriving at all,” Ms Slatter said.
To find a Pause Stop location, visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/pausestop
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