For Melton and Moorabool residents getting away this long weekend volunteers will activate over 30 Driver Reviver sites across the state to encourage drivers to take a break and help avoid fatigue on the road.
Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers – together with Lions, Rotary, and RSL clubs – will offer motorists free tea, coffee, biscuits, and a safe place to rest and refresh at select roadside stops.
Driver Reviver has been powered by volunteers, Australia-wide, for more than thirty years with a mission to save lives by reducing fatigue-related road trauma.
VICSES is urging community members to be patient, safe, and responsible this Easter and, most importantly, to take a break.
Statewide, VICSES volunteers responded to 1,336 road rescues in the last financial year (2021/22) and will be on high alert, with many people expected to hit the road over Easter.
VICSES chief officer, operations, Tim Wiebusch said “VICSES volunteers play a critical role in providing road crash rescue response, but we would much rather serve you a free cup of coffee than have to cut you from a car further down the road.”
“Take regular breaks on the road this weekend, stop and stretch your legs every two hours,” he added.
“I’m so grateful to the SES volunteers and other service club volunteers who will give up their Easter weekend to activate Driver Reviver sites and help reduce the road toll.”
VICSES provides the largest road rescue network in Victoria with 104 accredited principal Road Crash Rescue Units, and 22 Rescue Support Units.
Fatigue is one of the biggest contributors to deaths on our roads. An estimated 17 per cent of motor vehicle fatalities in Victoria related to sleep deprivation. This is why it is important to make time for routine breaks, at least once every two hours, when planning a long drive.
This weekend, Driver Reviver sites will be activated by volunteers at the following locations: Avenel, Balmattum, Bears Lagoon, Beaufort, Bruthen, Cann River, Colac, Coleraine, Donald, Dunkeld, Green Lake, Kaniva, Kerang, Lismore, Lockington, Longwarry North, Marong, Maryborough, Mildura/Lake Cullulleraine, Morwell, Murchison, Newmerella, Ouyen, Rochester, Rushworth, Seymour, Stawell, Wedderburn and Wunghnu.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will support existing Driver Reviver activations with their Pause Stop initiative at Balmattum and Longwarry North.
For the full list, including operating hours and to plan your journey, visit: ses.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/campaigns/driver-reviver.
