Corangamite Shire councillor Jamie Vogels said he was shocked by the high number of people who would suddenly pull over when they spot something of interest.

"It happens all over the shire," Cr Vogels said.

"(People will) pull over on the side of the road if they see a koala or to stop and watch the cows."

Member for Western Victoria, who co-authored a minority report in response to the state government's Inquiry into the Increase in Victoria's Road Toll, said people witnessed dangerous driver behaviour on the Great Ocean Road on a regular basis.

"We all know how stunning this coastline is. It's breath-taking," Mrs McArthur said.

"But we have all either seen - or heard stories - about tourists stopping their cars in silly and dangerous places simply to capture what they see as the perfect photo.

"A koala on a roadside, or on a tree near the road, is the perfect example of the type of distraction that can result in international tourists making sudden, and unsafe, driving decision in order to capture the moment on camera.

"I have heard this story too often."

Mrs McArthur said she believed there should be a stronger onus on travel agents and car hire companies to ensure drivers are competent on Australian roads.

"It's no good handing out copies of the rules, if the tourists can't understand a word of what's written in them," she said.

"We've all seen the consequences of tourists who have no idea of the rules or customs of driving in Australia and especially in more dangerous road areas where roads are narrow and visibility is limited.

"If people want to hire a car, which is after all a potentially lethal weapon, it's not unreasonable that the hirer should be required to assure themselves the customer is capable of handling the product - it happens routinely with power-tool hire."

Mrs McArthur said visitors to Australia were often not used to driving long distances.

"They must emphasise the tyranny of distance and the reality of that when it relates to driving and driving fatigue," she said.

"While it's understandable international tourists want to cram as much of our beautiful country into a short stay - the better option might be to suggest hiring a driver if they are keen to tackle the vast wish list many have."

Victoria police western region division two Superintendent Martin Hardy said there were regular police patrols on the Great Ocean Road.

He said speeding and driver distraction were issues.

"People just need to focus on the task at hand," Superintendent Hardy said.

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