Easter wake up call for Victorian Motorists

16 Apr 2003

Media Release - 16 April 2003

The Bracks Government today urged Victorian motorists to take care on the roads over the Easter long weekend.

The Minister responsible for the Transport Accident Commission, Rob Hulls, urged motorists to share the driving, take regular breaks and take a powernap to fight fatigue this Easter.

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Andre Haermeyer, warned motorists that Victoria Police would be using every police vehicle in a road safety blitz over the long weekend.

Mr Hulls said the Easter period was notoriously dangerous, with ten people dying on Victorian roads last Easter.

"Ten people lost their lives and more than 100 suffered serious injuries on Victorian roads last Easter. Behind each of those fatalities are friends and family who feel the pain of losing a loved one," Mr Hulls said.

"Fatigue, speed and carelessness are killers. Victorian motorists need to take time to plan their road trips, take breaks and live through the Easter period.

"The 'drive now, sleep later' attitude is incredibly dangerous – fatigue severely affects reaction times, concentration and decision-making skills that are so critical to the ability to drive safely."

More than 1,000 SES and Lions Club volunteers will give up their holidays to operate 67 Driver Reviver stations around the State during the Easter period and ANZAC Day long weekend, urging motorists to break up their journey.

Responsible drivers who take a short break this Easter could also be taking a long holiday break – a family holiday – as part of the TAC and SES Drive, Revive and Win competition. To encourage drivers to take regular rest breaks on their travels this Easter and reduce the effects of driver fatigue, motorists who stop at Driver Reviver sites will go into a draw to win a family holiday.

Mr Haermeyer said every Victoria Police vehicle was taking part in the Easter road safety blitz.

"Make no mistake, if you speed, you will get caught. If you drink and drive, you will get caught," Mr Haermeyer said.

"Every police vehicle is a booze bus, all officers on the road can book you speeding and now we have the police air wing, which can book speeding drivers from the sky.

The TAC and SES have the following tips for drivers preparing for long trips over Easter:

• Get a good night's sleep before heading off;
• Don't travel for more than 8 to 10 hours in any one day, or at times you would normally be sleeping;
• Don't drink any alcohol before or during the trip;
• Take regular breaks, at least every two hours;
• Stick to posted speed limits;
• Share the driving where possible, and
• Take a 15 minute powernap at the first signs of driver fatigue.

Victoria's road toll currently stands at 108, down from 122 for the same period last year.

To be in the running for a family holiday, $500 cash (courtesy of AAMI) and $500 Bushells hamper, drivers should stop at a Driver Reviver site, complete an entry form and place it in the entry box provided. For more details about the holiday competition and Driver Reviver site locations, go to www.tacsafety.com.au.

"We want to keep Victorians alive over this period, so that families and friends can spend some precious time together."

Further information:

George Svigos
0419 399 007