REST break sites will be set up along key regional travel routes this summer to encourage drivers to “press pause” on their road trip and combat drowsy driving.
As Victorians start their summer holiday travel, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has launched its Pause Stop campaign to urge drivers to plan their trips and take a break every two hours.
Each break stop will have free, barista-made coffee and activities for children to stretch their legs before hitting the road again.
There will also be giveaways including canned water, eye masks, postcards and children’s activity packs.
The summer holidays are typically one of the busiest periods on Victoria’s roads and traffic is expected to increase this year as more people travel domestically.
TAC data shows fatigue remains a major concern for Victorian drivers, with drowsy driving causing almost one in five fatal collisions and about 300 serious injuries a year.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll urged Victorians hitting the road, especially for longer drives and in unfamiliar areas, to take plenty of breaks and be generous with travel time.
With Victorian roads expected to be busier than usual, especially after a year with little time behind the wheel, TAC chief executive Joe Calafiore encouraged drivers to stay safe.
“We’re asking everyone to be patient and look out for fellow road users to make it to their destination safely,” Mr Calafiore said.
Pause sites will be set up along high-traffic arterial roads and complement the State Emergency Service’s Driver Reviver sites.
For locations, see tac.vic.gov.au/pausestop.
