Drivers reminded to take care over the long weekend

The new road safety campaign ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone’. Picture: ON FILE

As Victorians gear up for the Labour Day long weekend, the Victorian Government and Transport Accident Commission are urging Victorians to stay safe through a new road safety campaign.

Roads and road safety minister Melissa Horne today kicked off the campaign ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone’, which drives home the message to stay vigilant while behind the wheel.

“We want this Labour Day weekend to be one to remember for the right reasons, which is why we’re urging Victorians to stay vigilant behind the wheel,” Ms Horne said.

“Any life lost on our roads is too many and one way we can make sure Victorians get home safe to their families is for drivers to take extra care while driving on our roads.”

The campaign serves as a reminder that too many road accidents are preventable, encouraging drivers to steer clear of speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt negligence or distractions from mobile phones.

Since the start of the year, 50 Victorians have tragically lost their lives on the road with a concerning trend revealing almost half of these fatalities have occurred on weekends.

With the Labour Day long weekend approaching, authorities are urging drivers to exercise particular care this weekend by slowing down, planning ahead, taking breaks on road trips, and making responsible choices.

Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter said police enforcement is one of the strongest deterrents when it comes to keeping the roads safe.

“This campaign is about reminding us that if we do the wrong thing, we will be caught,” Ms Slatter said.

“Too many people are losing their lives on our roads because of poor choices, so we’re asking Victorians to show care for each other – slow down, don’t drive on drugs or alcohol, put your phone away and buckle up.”

The new campaign will run across a range of platforms, reminding Victorians that police are out to keep our roads safe every day of the year ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone’.