Innisfail’s “highway lifesavers” praised

Innisfail’s Driver Reviver volunteers have been officially thanked for their efforts to keep drivers alert and alive.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt today visited the Innisfail Driver Reviver site, at the corner of the Bruce and Palmerston Highways, 5km north of Innisfail, to present Certificates of Appreciation to the local “highway lifesavers”.

“These wonderful people selflessly give up their own holidays to help drivers get to and from their destinations safely,” Mr Pitt said.

“The entire community owes driver reviver volunteers throughout the state a great debt of gratitude.

“Every school holiday they are out here – in any weather – helping drivers stop, revive and survive. They offer motorists free tea, coffee, snacks and a friendly chat.”

Mr Pitt said Queensland Transport urged drivers to stop and rest at least every two hours, and Driver Reviver sites, staffed with volunteers, were ideal places to take rest breaks.

“We know that fatigue is one of the worst killers on our roads at any time, but sadly it is much worse in holiday times when there are so many people on our roads,” Mr Pitt said.

“Our Driver Reviver volunteers are in the vanguard against driver fatigue, and as such they play a vital role in the battle to bring down the road toll.

“There are more than 1600 volunteers staffing 35 Driver Reviver sites in strategic locations throughout Queensland during these school holidays,” he said.

“There is nothing more important when driving than getting safely to your destination. That means driving safely according to the conditions and taking regular rest stops to avoid fatigue.

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

“The Driver Reviver sites throughout Queensland will continue to be staffed until the end of school holidays,” Mr Pitt said.

The Driver Reviver program is supported nationally by Bushells Tea.

For more information about Driver Reviver sites and operating times, or to volunteer, visit

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

Media contact: Minister’s office 3227 8819.