This festive period, 17 Driver Reviver sites will be activated in at-risk locations across the state, where drivers and their passengers will be offered a free cup of tea or coffee, biscuits and, most importantly, the chance to stop and rest before hitting the road again.

With Victorians expected to hit the road and get away this upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday period, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is urging community members to be patient, safe, and responsible, but most importantly, to take a break.

VICSES volunteers provide the largest road rescue network in Australia, with 104 accredited Road Crash Rescue provider units across Victoria, and 22 Rescue Support Units.

On average, VICSES volunteers respond to 1,300 road crash rescues each year and, in the last financial year, they attended more than 1,336 road rescues.

To help combat this increasing number of road crash incidents, VICSES and Lions Club Volunteers come together - every year - to contribute thousands of hours toward hosting Driver Reviver sites, offering drivers free refreshments, and a safe place to stop and rest.

This holiday period, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will be supporting Driver Reviver sites with its TAC Pause Stop activities at a number of Driver Reviver locations across Victoria.

Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on Victorian roads, with an estimated 17 per cent of motor vehicle fatalities related to sleep deprivation. So it is important to take that crucial break, every two hours, when planning a long drive.

Driver Reviver is a 30-year-old program, powered by volunteers, that aims to promote road safety and save lives.

Participating units this festive period include VICSES Colac, Dimboola, Dunkeld, Kerang, Lismore, Morwell, Rushworth, Murchison, Stawell, Tambo Valley, and Wedderburn Units.

For a full list of locations visit: ses.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/campaigns/driver-reviver.

Quotes attributable to VICSES Chief Officer, Operations, Tim Wiebusch:

“For over 30 years, Driver Reviver has been a national campaign with one objective - to reduce road collisions by alleviating driver fatigue.”

“This holiday period, SES and Lions Club volunteers are giving up time away from their friends and family, as we would much rather serve you a free cup of coffee than cut you out of a car further up the road.”

“VICSES provides the largest road rescue network in Australia, so we’re grateful to all our SES volunteers and our partner emergency services agencies for the role they play in road safety each and every day.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission, Acting CEO, Liz Cairns:

“Drowsy driving is a major factor in road trauma in Victoria and the risks are greater during holiday periods when we are traveling long distances to see loved ones, and attending celebrations.”

“By supporting the VICSES Driver Reviver program, the TAC can engage with motorists at those critical moments on road trips to ensure people know the risks of drowsy driving and take the opportunity to recharge for a safe onward journey.”