Urging Drivers To Rest And Be Safe This Holiday Season

Published date: 24 Dec 2025

As thousands of Victorians take to the roads this festive season, the Victorian Government is reminding motorists of a simple but life-saving message – take regular breaks and avoid driving while tired.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is out in force at Pause Stop sites along major regional routes, providing drivers with safe places to pull over, reset, and recharge.

Each site has complimentary barista-made coffee, comfortable deck chairs for a 15-minute power nap and activities to keep children entertained while parents take a break.

The TAC will also be stationed at 15 Visitor Information Centres across Victoria, providing resources to help motorists plan a safe journey and explore local attractions.

They are urging all road users to exercise extra care, take breaks at least every two hours, share driving duties where possible, and avoid driving at times they would normally be asleep.

To complement this message, VICSES volunteers will operate Driver Reviver sites in partnership with Lions Club, Rotary and RSL volunteers. Located at key rest stops statewide, these sites offer free tea, coffee and snacks, encouraging drivers to stop and enjoy vital rest before continuing their journey.

Driver Reviver has played an important role in road safety for more than 35 years, serving over 50 million motorists in the process.

The call for caution comes as VICSES reports a record year for road crash rescue (RCR) responses, with volunteers attending almost 2,300 incidents in 2025 – more than 100 above last year’s record and nearly 50 per cent higher than 2023 figures.

Units across metropolitan fringe areas such as Pakenham and Craigieburn have been the busiest, while regional units in South Barwon, Bendigo, Kilmore, Morwell and Mildura highlight the widespread risk of road trauma.

VICSES volunteers, accredited to perform complex rescues using hydraulic tools such as the ‘jaws of life’, regularly work alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and fire services to save lives.

Whether you’re heading to the coast, the country or a long-awaited family reunion, remember: one small stop can make one big difference. For Pause Stop locations and maps, visit tac.vic.gov.au/pausestop. For Driver Reviver sites, go to driverreviver.com.au/driver-reviver-sites.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne:

“Even a short break can save lives. Pause Stops give drivers a chance to recharge when it matters most.”

“Regional roads will be busier than normal and the most critical thing is the choices we make – slow down, don’t drink or drug drive, avoid distractions, and avoid driving tired.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward:

“Our hardworking VICSES volunteers have responded to thousands of road crash rescues this year, and that’s why it’s so important that every driver prioritises safety over speed this holiday season.”

“We owe a huge thank you to VICSES volunteers who give up their time – including during the holidays – to help save lives on our roads. Do your part to help keep our communities safe and spare families from the heartbreak of road trauma.”