The Victorian Government is urging motorists to plan ahead and have plenty of rest before taking to the road this Easter, to ensure the holiday period is a memorable one for the right reasons.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) joined the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) to launch the Easter Driver Reviver program, which is supported by the TAC’s Pause Stop campaign.

Both road safety programs aim to reduce fatigue-related road trauma, which is at a heightened risk during peak holiday periods like Easter, when traffic volumes increase and people are driving longer distances.

The busy Easter period comes as 84 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads so far this year, compared with 86 at the same time last year, down two per cent on the five-year average (78). More than 60 per cent of this year’s fatalities occurred in country Victoria (51), leading the TAC to call on people to plan ahead in the interest of safety, with more people expected to be traveling on the state’s regional roads this weekend.

“Easter is a time to unwind and relax with family and we are asking all Victorians who are traveling on the roads across this busy period to be well rested before they drive, slow down and take care,” TAC CEO Tracey Slatter said.

“If everyone plays their part, there is no reason why we can’t have an Easter free of deaths on our roads,” she said.

Driving when tired is a contributing factor in 16 to 20 per cent of all road crashes in Victoria. Monash University research shows that the risk of drivers crashing after only five hours of sleep is 4.4 times greater when compared to those who have eight hours of sleep. Under five hours of sleep, crash risk increases as the amount of sleep decreases.

To avoid driving tired, motorists should ensure they get a good night’s sleep prior to travel, allow plenty of travel time, plan a break from the road every two hours and swap drivers where possible.

“We are appealing to all Victorians to do everything they can to keep themselves and those they care about safe on the roads this Easter,” Ms Slatter said.

“Fatigue is a major contributor to road trauma, particularly when people are traveling long distances on regional roads, so it’s important to plan your trip to include a break every two hours and change drivers, if possible,” she said.

The TAC’s Pause Stop campaign will have a strong presence across Victoria, with multiple locations set up to provide a safe spot for motorists to take a rest and enjoy a free tea or coffee, while giveaways and activities will also be available.

Pause Stop locations will be set up at Marong, Jeetho, Bungalally and Balmattum North on Good Friday, and at Balmattum South, Drouin and Marong on Easter Monday.

The TAC will also have Pause Stops set up during the Anzac Day long weekend at Balmattum South and Marong on April 27.

Find more information on Pause Stop and Driver Reviver locations.