DRIVERS across the south-west have been urged to take breaks over the holiday long weekend.
Warrnambool policeman Senior Sergeant Shane Keogh said there would be a large number of vehicles on south-west roads at the weekend and it was up to drivers to assess and manage their time behind the steering wheel.
“It is essential drivers take regular breaks and simply get enough sleep,” he said.
“Accidents do happen and time management is crucial.”
Colac driver reviver site organiser Cliff McAliece said the Colac service would be providing tea and coffee between 4pm and midnight for the next three nights.
“People need to plan ahead and allow themselves 15-to-20-minute breaks at a driver reviver site,” he said.
Senior Constable Robert Hay, of the police major collision investigation unit, said fatigue was one of the five key elements which could be used to prove culpable driving.
The other elements of a culpable driving charge were alcohol, speed, drugs and dangerous driving.
Senior Constable Hay said he expected that driver fatigue would be the next major target of Victoria Police and the Transport Accident Commission campaigns.