With school holidays starting, motorists are urged to have a safety-first mindset on the roads.
RACV road safety policy lead Sam Lynch said it was important for every motorist to do their part to ensure a safe holiday period.
“School holidays at this time of year are a great opportunity for a road trip, but that often means an increased number of people driving on unfamiliar roads with different conditions,” Mr Lynch said.
“We are encouraging everyone heading away to make sure they get to their destination safely — even one life lost on our roads is too many and we need all Victorians to play their part in driving safely.”
As of September 14, 208 people had lost their lives on Victorian roads in 2023 — up from 170 at the same time last year.
This includes 33 people who have died in the Goulburn and Murray valley regions.
As of July, the Victorian road toll was also 37.5 per cent beyond the National Road Safety Strategy target for the year, which all governments committed to in an attempt to significantly reduce road trauma by 2030.
The RACV has five key tips for motorists heading away on the roads:
- Make sure your car can get you there: Ensure your car servicing is up-to-date and check on the quality of your tyres as well as air and fluid levels.
- Share driving and plan breaks: Ensure you are well-rested before going on a long trip. Plan to stop for 15 minutes every two hours. Take turns driving even if it’s only for a short time, if possible.
- Patience with fellow drivers: During the holidays there are more cars on the road and a chance for more traffic and congestion. Patience and empathy with your fellow motorists will lead to safer driving decisions.
- Remove distractions: Using mobile phones or other portable devices while driving is not only illegal but dangerous. Ensure that you’ve removed temptation and if you must receive or make a call, ensure that you have pulled over and parked safely before doing so.
- Don’t get stuck roadside: Make sure your roadside assistance is current.