The Transport Accident Commission is targeting drowsy drivers during the Easter period and the lead-up to the Anzac Day long weekend, with Driver Reviver sites manned by State Emergency Service personnel being set up across the state. 

“If you are experiencing drowsiness while driving, it means you are already falling asleep, and the only way to avoid falling asleep at the wheel is to pull over and have a powernap,” TAC chief executive Janet Dore said this week.

Six people have lost their lives on Victorian roads over the past two Easter long weekends, and again this weekend we have seen the tragedy of these busy periods on our nation’s roads.

“We want everyone to reach their destination safely, and that means planning your trip and ensuring you have had a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel,” Ms Dore said.

Victoria Police are using new technologies to identify irresponsible driver behaviour. They will trial Australia’s first Ranger camera on the road to detect irresponsible drivers during a 13-day Easter road policing enforcement campaign. The Ranger, a portable camera with a long lens, will be used by officers to detect – up to 700 metres away – motorists using mobile phones and not wearing their seatbelts. 

It’s these messages and methods that are showing that the broader battle to reduce the road toll is having a positive effect.

Last year 242 people died on Victorian roads, 40 fewer than in 2012.

This year, we’ve seen a slight increase compared to the same time last year. There is no joy in these figures, despite the overall downward trend. Any person who has been involved in a serious accident or who knows someone who has will tell you that the impact is immense.

To those travelling on the roads this Easter weekend and those who might be heading off again on Anzac Day, the message from authorities and The Courier is to stay safe.