The Transport Accident Commission is urging road users to take steps to ensure their safety over the Christmas period.
Emergency services attended nearly 40 crashes on Christmas Day in 2015, with 16 people admitted to hospital as a result, according to TAC statistics.
Six people died on Victorian roads between Christmas Day and January 1.
TAC senior road safety manager Samantha Cockfield encouraged Victorians to consider steps they could put in place to ensure they were there to celebrate the holiday period with their loved ones.
She said every safe trip starts with a plan.
“If people are heading off on a road trip we want them to have a great night’s sleep before they leave,” Ms Cockfield said.
“There’s also a lot of socialising at this time of the year and if alcohol is part of the plan, make sure you have a plan for getting home without driving.”
In addition to managing fatigue and separating drinking from driving, the TAC asked motorists to develop strategies to prevent distraction.
“You might consider turning your phone off and for people with kids in the car, you need to have a plan to keep the kids both hydrated and occupied during the trip, because we know children can be a distraction,” she said.
“Everyone deserves to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas with their families and friends so it’s really important that every Victorian thinks about the choices they can make on the roads to keep each other safe.”
