Driver Reviver steers motorists towards safer holidays

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/3576-driver-reviver-steers-motorists-towards-safer-holidays.html

From the Deputy Premier, From the Minister for Police and Emergency Services
A driver reviver rest stop could save your life or reduce the risk of serious injury, Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said today.

Launching the Driver Reviver campaign at Federation Square, Mr Ryan urged motorists to heed the road safety messages over the Easter long weekend for their own safety and that of others.

"Driver fatigue is not a criminal offence like speeding or drink driving but it can be just as deadly," Mr Ryan said.

"Fatigue is a contributing factor in at least 17 per cent of all fatal car accidents and a major cause of crashes in Victoria, resulting in around 50 deaths and 300 serious injuries each year."

Mr Ryan said 500 VICSES and Lions Club volunteers would be operating about 50 Driver Reviver sites on major roads in Victoria from Thursday 5 April through to Tuesday 10 April.

"Driver Reviver rest stops provide a safe place for motorists to rest, have a drink, change drivers or have a power nap away from passing traffic," Mr Ryan said.

"Tragically, about 25 per cent of Victorian road fatalities last year occurred during school holidays. A driver who gets behind the wheel after 17 hours without sleep is as impaired as someone who drives with a blood alcohol content of point-05."

Mr Ryan said taking a break on a long haul trip would dramatically reduce the risk of crashing.

"Even nodding off for a few seconds could have dire consequences. If a person driving at 100km/h falls asleep for four seconds, the vehicle will travel 111 metres while completely out of the driver's control," Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan urged motorists planning on taking long journeys to stop and enjoy free refreshments at least every two hours at one of the many driver reviver sites throughout Victoria.

"Each year, volunteers give up their Easter breaks to serve 200,000 cups of tea and coffee to drivers," Mr Ryan said.

Driver Reviver has been operating nationally for more than 20 years. While the Victorian road toll has more than halved since 1989 from 776 to 287 last year, more than 9,000 people have been killed on Victorian roads in that time.