Driver caution the order this Queen’s Birthday long weekend

04 Jun 2013

A horror weekend on our state’s roads has led the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to remind motorists of the importance of safe driving ahead of the coming long weekend.

Four deaths in less than 24 hours across Saturday and Sunday elevated this year’s road toll into three figures.

The increase in fatalities across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in recent years has also prompted the warning. Five people died on Victorian roads at this time of year in both 2011 and 2012 (see table below), up from the three previous years.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said this tragic rise should act as a warning for the community to guard against complacency, and avoid fatigue especially if traveling long distances this holiday weekend.

“Fatigue slows drivers’ reaction time in the same way that alcohol does,” Ms Dore said.

“Research shows that being awake for 17 hours has the same affect on your driving ability as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05. Our advice is to avoid driving during hours that you would normally be sleeping.”

In timing with the long weekend the TAC will air The Party’s Over television advertisements, warning drivers that police are looking out for impaired and speeding drivers this weekend.

State Emergency Service (SES) Driver Reviver sites will be set up across the state, offering tired drivers a chance to pull over and refresh during their journeys.

Ms Dore said the sites provided drivers with the perfect opportunity to stop for a rest and take a 15-minute powernap.

“It might seem like a small thing, but those 15 minutes could save your life,” she said.

“Remember to plan ahead if you’re going on a road trip this long weekend - share the driving whenever possible and if you’re tired, pull over.”

Fatalities on Queen’s Birthday long weekend in Victoria 2008-2012

For more information contact Nick Price on 5225 7738 or 0408 523 772.