Stop, revive and survive

With the prospect of a four-day long Australia Day weekend Toll Driver Reviver is calling on people to plan their road trips, and factor in regular stops.
Healesville SES will be operating the Driver Reviver stop at Dom Dom Saddle on Sunday 29 January, serving tea, coffee and a biscuit and providing travellers with the chance for a stretch and a breath of fresh mountain air – all free!
Healesville SES deputy controller Monica Hayes said that while the Dom Dom stop on the Black Spur is quite close to destination for Yarra Valley travellers, everyone is welcome to call in.
It’s often those last few kilometres where drivers can start to feel drowsy.
Driver Reviver has been operating in Australia for 26 years and is dedicated to reducing fatigue and promoting safe driving behaviours.
This Australia Day, sites around the country will be staffed by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about helping drivers and their families to arrive at their destinations safely.
Andrew Ethell, Toll Group Group Director of Corporate Affairs, said it’s not just the long trips that need to be considered.
“It’s important for us to recognise that whether you are planning – a short trip to see friends, driving home after a long shift at work, or taking a road trip to visit family interstate – none of us are invincible.
“Driving tired can be the same as driving intoxicated, and watching for signs of fatigue could save your life,” Mr Ethell said.
Ms Hayes said locals are welcome to just call in for a chat and meet some of their local SES volunteers.
“If people have children with them, we’re happy to let the kids have a look over the truck and Dom Dom is a great place for a toilet break and a bit of a run around,” she said.
For locals travelling out of the area, Ms Hayes urged them to keep an eye out for Reviver stops wherever they are travelling and make regular stops.
Toll Driver Reviver recommends drivers take the following steps:
Step 1: Plan your trip – Allow for plenty of breaks, and give yourself more time than you need to get your destination so you don’t feel rushed.
Step 2: Get plenty of rest – Go to bed early, and pack the night before. Get up early if you can to avoid the peak traffic periods.
Step 3: Watch for signs of fatigue – Are you yawning, rubbing your eyes or feeling restless or distracted? These are all symptoms of fatigue, do not continue driving and pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
For more information about Toll Driver Reviver and operating sites, visit www.tollgroup.com/driverreviver.
To find out more about volunteering with Healesville SES phone Ms Hayes on 0417 904 862.