Premium pitstops set to stop traffic this long weekend

08 Jun 2016

The Transport Accident Commission’s Premium Pitstop experience will be rolled out at six busy Driver Reviver sites this weekend giving road trippers an extra reason to take a break.

With fatigue estimated to be a factor in one in five crashes, the TAC is supporting efforts by SES and Victoria Police to keep Victorians safe this weekend.

The popular premium Pitstops will be back, with free barista coffees, bottled water, games and giveaways encouraging people to stop.

Sausage sizzles on-site will raise money to help local State Emergency Services units raise money for rescue equipment.

With many people heading to the snow for Queen’s Birthday weekend, there will be an extra focus on the Hume Freeway stop at Balmattum (near Euroa), on both sides of the road.

The other premium Pitstops will be at Dimboola, Stratford, Bacchus Marsh and Marong.

TAC’s Road Safety technical manager Samantha Buckis said the Pitstops and all the SES Driver Reviver sites would encourage people to manage their fatigue.

“On long weekends people are often driving on unfamiliar roads, for longer distances than they might be used to,” Ms Buckis said.

“The TAC’s encouraging people to manage their fatigue by stopping for a rest to freshen up. Take advantage of the Driver Reviver sites or powernap rest stops around the state.

“As we work towards zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads, it’s up to us all to take responsibility for how we can make a difference.

“Whether that is managing our fatigue, sticking to the speed limit or avoiding distractions, we all have small changes we can make,” Ms Buckis said.

Pit Stop was developed earlier this year amid concerns that it was the worst start for lives lost on the roads in ten years.

Thousands of motorists pulled off the state’s busiest highways to rest up and enjoy the Pit Stop experience over Easter and ANZAC Day weekends, with baristas providing more than 8000 free coffees.

The TAC is also supporting Victoria Police’s activity this weekend, airing a television advertisement reminding Victorians of the extra police presence on the roads this long weekend.

People talking about the rest stops