Take a pause this summer to beat driver fatigue

Published date: 30 Dec 2020

Rest breaks will be set up along key regional travel routes this summer, encouraging drivers to 'press pause' on their road trip to combat drowsy driving.

As Victorians head into the summer holiday period, the Transport Accident Commission campaign, aptly named Pause Stop, will encourage motorists to plan their road trips ahead of time and take a break every two hours.

TAC data shows fatigue remains a major concern for drivers in Victoria, with close to one in five fatal collisions caused by drowsy driving, while also causing around 300 serious injuries a year.

The summer holidays are traditionally one of the busiest periods on Victoria’s roads, and traffic volumes are expected to be particularly high this year with more people travelling domestically.

The rest breaks will offer a range of options to help drivers to pause and revitalise before heading off on the next part of their journey.

Each site will have free barista-made coffee and activities for children to stretch their legs before heading back on the road, as well as give-aways including; canned water, eye masks, post cards and children’s activity packs.

Local businesses will also set up market stalls for passing travellers to help support local economies and local football clubs will be invited to host a fundraising sausage sizzle.

The TAC has worked closely with the State Emergency Service to identify key locations for rest stops along major, high-traffic arterial roads. The TAC’s rest stops will complement the SES’s Driver Reviver sites which will also be set up across the state.

Further information on the Pause location sites and map of their locations can be found at tac.vic.gov.au/pausestop

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“Victorians will be looking forward to hitting the road for their summer holidays and that means driving longer distances on unfamiliar roads.”

“Fatigue is a major cause of fatal crashes so we’re urging people to avoid driving if you’re drowsy, take plenty of breaks and allow for plenty of travel time so you’re not in a rush.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore

“This year, we’re expecting Victoria’s roads to be particularly busy as people head off on a well-earned break.”

“With many Victorians having spent less time behind the wheel this year, we’re asking everyone to be patient and look out for fellow road users to make sure everyone makes it to their destination safely.”