GREEN Lake will have a Driver Reviver site for the first time this Christmas.
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It comes as the state’s roads authorities and emergency services ramp up their festive season safety campaigns.
Members of the North West Grampians Lions branch of the Horsham Lions Club have partnered with Horsham Sports and Community Club to open a kiosk at the lake on the Western Highway.
The kiosk first opened in 1969 but was later closed.
Lions members developed plans to reopen it as a Driver Reviver stop after seeing photos of the kiosk during Horsham Lions Club’s centenary celebrations last year.
Driver Reviver is a VICSES and Toll initiative, where travelers can stop for a free drink and snack.
The sports and community club committed $15,000 to the Green Lake project.
Manager Glenn Carroll said the kiosk – which will be open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – would provide a welcome stopover point for travelers to take a break and enjoy the lake.
“The club was able to support the project through our major community project funding,” he said.
“This project takes the number of projects funded through this program to 21, with more than $415,000 allocated in the 2018-19 year.”
Kiosk manager Leonie Lawson said anyone wishing to volunteer at the kiosk could call her on 0439 360 275.
Stawell and Lochiel Driver Reviver sites will also be open during the festive period.
Transport Accident Commission engagement senior manager Megan Jacobs said country roads continued to be over-represented in road trauma, compared with metropolitan Melbourne.
She encouraged people to plan ahead if they planned to travel during the festive season.
“It’s a sad reality that Victorians are five times more likely to die on regional roads,” she said.
“The holiday season is about spending time with loved ones and no one deserves to face Christmas with someone missing from the table.
“We need to plan our trips, factor in rest stops, switch drivers regularly and – if you’re planning on drinking – avoid driving altogether by planning ahead so you know how you’re getting home.”
Meanwhile Regional Roads Victoria chief regional roads officer Paul Northey said crews had been working hard in the lead-up to Christmas, and aimed to be off the road as much as possible during the Christmas and new year holiday period to limit disruptions.
No major roadworks are planned in the Wimmera for this time.
Police will be out in force across the region for Operation Roadwise until January 6, targeting dangerous driving, drug and drink-driving, and irresponsible behaviour.
Road safety – what you need to know:
- Fatigue – Fatigue is a major factor in 1 in 5 fatal Victorian crashes. Notice the warning signs of constant yawning, sore/heavy eyes, trouble keeping a constant speed and forgetting the last few kilometres of your trip. Take a break or pull over if you need to. If you feel tired when driving, take a powernap (sleep for 15 to 30 minutes), and allow time to recover from your sleep before commencing to drive.
- Distraction and inattention – Many people are rushing around and distraction doesn't always come in the form of a mobile phone. Our attention can wander and anything inside and outside of the car can be a distraction so keep your eyes and your mind on the road at all times.
- Speed – Even a few kilometres over the limit can make a big difference in a crash. Don't make the mistake of thinking that a few kilometres over the limit is safe.
- Alcohol and drugs - Alcohol/drugs impairs your driving abilities. To avoid the risk while enjoying the holiday catch ups seek alternative transport or arrange for somebody to pick you up if you have been drinking.
- Seatbelts – Make sure everyone in the car is properly restrained - in nearly 20 per cent of crashes where someone loses their life a seatbelt was not worn. Children under 145cm or 12 years of age should be in an appropriate child restraint.
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