Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Tuesday, 22 March, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Tuesday 22nd of March, 2016,
Greater Shepparton City Council urges all road uses to take extra care whilst travelling over the Easter period and take advantage of the Driver Reviver sites across the state.
This Easter long weekend, hundreds of Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) and Lions Club members will take time out from their holidays to make sure drivers get to their holiday destinations safely.
Over 40 Driver Reviver sites will operate across Victoria this Easter weekend from Thursday 24 March through until Tuesday 29 March.
For over 25 years, Driver Reviver has been a national campaign with one objective: to reduce road collisions by alleviating driver fatigue.
Driver Reviver sites offer free tea, coffee, biscuits and more to help motorists rest and refresh in a staffed and safe environment.
Today, VICSES has 152 volunteer units throughout the state, with 102 accredited to perform Road Rescue, making the VICSES the largest Road Rescue operator in Australia.
In the past year, VICSES volunteers were called to attend 917 road rescue incidents across Victoria. Ten of these were across the last Easter long weekend (2015).
"So far in 2016, we’ve had 68 fatalities on Victorian roads. That’s up 28.3% from the same time last year.* That’s 68 people who won’t be celebrating Easter with their families this year" said VICSES Chief Officer Operations Trevor White.
"With an estimated 22 per cent of drivers admitting to momentarily falling asleep at the wheel, it is important to remember to take a break every two hours when driving."
"Easter is a particularly busy time on our roads and I ask all Victorian drivers to take special precautions when travelling through the state this long weekend," he said.
"It is always more gratifying for SES volunteers to have a friendly chat and serve you a cuppa at a Driver Reviver site than be faced with the trauma of cutting you out of your vehicle after a collision."
If you’re taking a trip over Easter, visit a Driver Reviver site to take a break. CLICK HERE for the full list of Driver Reviver sites and their operating hours.
Tips for a long car journey:
- It is critical before leaving on long trips to be well rested
- Plan trips so that you will stop at least every 2 hours; 15 minutes is a good break
- Share the driving with someone else
- Don't let the temperature inside the car make you drowsy
- Keep the radio or music at a low level; loud music can interfere with concentration
- Be flexible, if you feel you are getting tired, don't wait, find somewhere safe and have a quick nap
*Road Toll figures correct from 10 March, 2016. Provided by Transport Accident Commission (TAC) at https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/statistics/road-toll-year-to-date
More News from Greater Shepparton
Tuesday 28th of April,
Greater Shepparton misses out again as bus funding focuses on metro routes
The State Government’s latest public transport announcements have again highlighted significant inequities between metropolitan and regional Victoria, with just three improvements identified across regional areas and no commitment to review outdated… Read more
Monday 27th of April,
Road maintenance funding does not address long term regional challenges
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the latest announcement from the Victorian Government of a $1 billion allocation for regional road maintenance is not an increase in investment for regional Victoria. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Boot Swap almost here supporting local families and players this sporting season
Greater Shepparton City Council is reminding the community that the Boot Swap is fast approaching, giving local families a simple way to access sporting gear and help more young people stay involved in sport. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Community urged to have their say as MDBP review shapes Greater Shepparton’s future
Greater Shepparton City Council is urging residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on the Murray–Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, warning the outcomes will have long term impacts well beyond agriculture and will influence everyday… Read more
Thursday 23rd of April,
Community voices highlight growing pressure on essential services in Greater Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council is reinforcing its State Budget advocacy, highlighting the growing pressure local residents, workers and businesses are experiencing as demand for essential services continues to outpace investment. Read more
Tuesday 21st of April,
Budget commitment marks progress for Shepparton rail services
Greater Shepparton City Council has welcomed the Victorian Government’s budget commitment to increase train services on the Shepparton line, following sustained advocacy by Council since 2023. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Friday 1st of May,
Bee Gees Revival - 10th Anniversary Tour
Direct from Melbourne, replicating the Bee Gees exquisite three part harmonies, backed by the big sound of the Night Fever band. View on Riverlinks
Thursday 7th of May,
May GVYP Social Dinner
Come along and join us at the fabulous local Shepparton Brewery for our monthly social. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, this is a great opportunity to meet plenty of new young people. Read more
Friday 1st of May,
Puff Walk
Puff Walks are more than just steps – they’re connections. Read more
Thursday 7th of May,
Taking Your Business Online - Live Webinar
Learn to expand your business in today's digital world. Read more
Wednesday 29th of April,
Puff Walk
A new day, a new walk! Read more
Saturday 2nd of May,
Shepparton Gators - Round 6
Big V Basketball is here!! Get ready for high-energy basketball and show your support for the Women's and Men's Big V Gators. Go GATORS! Read more
See All Events