Holiday drivers urged to stay alert with Driver Reviver

Queensland’s Driver Reviver stations will be open through the Christmas school holidays from this weekend to provide friendly places for drivers to stop, revive and survive.

Transport Minister John Mickel today urged drivers to put road safety first and plan regular rest stops as part of their holiday motoring.

“There is nothing more important when driving than arriving safely to your destination. That means driving safely according to the conditions and taking regular rest stops to avoid fatigue,” Mr Mickel said.

“Driver Reviver stops opened for summer at 31 strategic locations throughout the State, where volunteers from local communities offer a free cuppa, a biscuit, a friendly chat and a place to rest and refresh.

“These holidays there will be around 1600 volunteers giving up their own time to staff Driver Reviver sites and promote road safety, and we are indebted to them for their commitment and contribution.

"It is vital not to drive when you are tired – especially during school holidays when there are so many families travelling on the roads.”

Mr Mickel said there were a number of simple steps to avoid and deal with tiredness:

• get a good night's sleep, and avoid alcohol the night before heading off to your destination.
• plan your trip to include 15 minute breaks every two hours, and eat properly
• make a commitment to yourself and any passengers to act immediately if feeling drowsy – pull over safely at a suitable spot, such as a rest area, and not resume driving until feeling alert again.

Mr Mickel said the high risk times for driver fatigue are between 2pm and 4pm and 10pm and 6am.

“The Driver Reviver sites will operate at varying times through until the end of school holidays, and Australia Day on Tuesday, 27 January.

“Driver Reviver sites play an important role in promoting safer driving habits among long distance drivers and helping motorists to arrive safely at their destinations.”

The Driver Reviver program is supported nationally by Bushells Tea. For a list of driver reviver sites and operating times, or to volunteer, visit

www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/Driver_reviver/

Media contact: 3237 1944

12 December 2008