As the lives lost on Victorian roads continue to rise, SES deputy controller Graham Milner wants to remind the community to stay vigilant when driving.
“My major concern is that families are missing loved ones due to these fatalities,” Mr Milner said.
As of Monday, November 20, the total number of lives lost on Victorian roads had reached 259, surpassing last year’s total of 241.
In rural Victoria, the stats for lives lost are up by 32 per cent this year so far, and have surpassed 2022’s total.
Mr Milner said there were many reasons for the high numbers this year, with drivers’ choices being his main concern.
“The consequences of bad choices may lead to lives lost or serious injury resulting in loss of quality of life,” he said.
The main actions he highlighted included driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, fatigue, distractions such as phones and speed.
“It does hurt to be 5km over,” he said.
“Make sure to stop and relax at least every two hours, and take a nap if tired.”
As a volunteer SES member, serving for the past 15 years as deputy controller in Benalla and the Hume region, Mr Milner has witnessed first-hand the ripple effect after an accident and just how many people can be affected.
“Often, as a result of serious crashes, emergency service first responders can encounter the most distressing scenes,” he said.
“Victoria Police, SES, Ambulance Victoria, CFA and those who stop to assist before the first responders arrive suffer.
“The ripple effect of an incident can carry through these persons and into the community.”
Especially as we head into the busy Christmas season, staying safe on our roads is more important now than ever to continue to reduce the lives lost.