Published Friday, 03 October, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Survive the drive home from school holidays
Drivers returning from school holidays this weekend have been urged to allow plenty of time for their trip, take it easy and break their journey at least every two hours to avoid fatigue.
Transport Minister John Mickel said Driver Reviver stops were open at 35 strategically located sites throughout the State for motorists to pull over, rest and revive.
“Driver fatigue is a major factor in the road toll at anytime, but it can be much worse in holiday periods,” he said.
"Many thousands of people will be on the roads from today, heading home from holidays – many driving long distances.
"For some motorists, the temptation is to keep driving until they get to their destination, no matter how tired they feel. That attitude is dangerous – even deadly,” Mr Mickel said.
“In 2007, tragically 65 people lost their lives on Queensland roads through fatigue-related crashes, and so far this year, fatigue-related crashes have killed 27 people.
"After two hours at the wheel, whether you think you're tired or not, Stop, Revive, Survive.
At the first sign of tiredness, Stop, Revive, Survive.”
The Minister said the Queensland Government's Driver Reviver program was a very important contributor to road safety at holiday times.
"More than 250,000 people annually visit our 35 Driver Reviver sites across the State," he said.
"Driver Reviver sites are located at rest areas, parks and other suitable locations and operate during all school holidays and public holiday periods
"They are staffed by about 1600 dedicated volunteers across Queensland, who give up their own holiday time to serve the travelling public free tea, coffee and a snack, all with a friendly smile.
"By encouraging drivers to stop and revive, Driver Reviver sites play an important role in helping motorists to survive long journeys and arrive safely at their destinations.
"With pleasant surroundings and friendly volunteers serving free snacks, it's an excellent incentive for motorists to call in, Stop, Revive and Survive," Mr Mickel said.
The Minister also warned drivers to be especially careful when driving around schools next week as excited children return from holidays.
“Queensland Transport crossing supervisors will be on the job across the State to escort children safely to and from school, but it is the job of every driver to ensure they drive safely and within the speed limits, especially in school precincts,” Mr Mickel said.
The Driver Reviver road safety program is sponsored nationally by Bushells. For more information on Queensland’s Driver Reviver program, visit:
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/Driver_guide/Travel/Rs_driver_reviver
Media contact: Jane Rowe: 3237 1111
October 3, 2008
Transport Minister John Mickel said Driver Reviver stops were open at 35 strategically located sites throughout the State for motorists to pull over, rest and revive.
“Driver fatigue is a major factor in the road toll at anytime, but it can be much worse in holiday periods,” he said.
"Many thousands of people will be on the roads from today, heading home from holidays – many driving long distances.
"For some motorists, the temptation is to keep driving until they get to their destination, no matter how tired they feel. That attitude is dangerous – even deadly,” Mr Mickel said.
“In 2007, tragically 65 people lost their lives on Queensland roads through fatigue-related crashes, and so far this year, fatigue-related crashes have killed 27 people.
"After two hours at the wheel, whether you think you're tired or not, Stop, Revive, Survive.
At the first sign of tiredness, Stop, Revive, Survive.”
The Minister said the Queensland Government's Driver Reviver program was a very important contributor to road safety at holiday times.
"More than 250,000 people annually visit our 35 Driver Reviver sites across the State," he said.
"Driver Reviver sites are located at rest areas, parks and other suitable locations and operate during all school holidays and public holiday periods
"They are staffed by about 1600 dedicated volunteers across Queensland, who give up their own holiday time to serve the travelling public free tea, coffee and a snack, all with a friendly smile.
"By encouraging drivers to stop and revive, Driver Reviver sites play an important role in helping motorists to survive long journeys and arrive safely at their destinations.
"With pleasant surroundings and friendly volunteers serving free snacks, it's an excellent incentive for motorists to call in, Stop, Revive and Survive," Mr Mickel said.
The Minister also warned drivers to be especially careful when driving around schools next week as excited children return from holidays.
“Queensland Transport crossing supervisors will be on the job across the State to escort children safely to and from school, but it is the job of every driver to ensure they drive safely and within the speed limits, especially in school precincts,” Mr Mickel said.
The Driver Reviver road safety program is sponsored nationally by Bushells. For more information on Queensland’s Driver Reviver program, visit:
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/Driver_guide/Travel/Rs_driver_reviver
Media contact: Jane Rowe: 3237 1111
October 3, 2008