General News
4 April, 2026
Take breaks when driving on long weekend, says TAC
PEOPLE travelling on Victorian roads over the Easter school holidays have been urged to rest up, take breaks and drive safely.
A road safety partnership between the Transport Accident Commission and the SES will deliver the Easter Driver Reviver and TAC Pause Stop programs, helping people stay safe on their long weekend road trips and reminding motorists of the dangers of driving tired.
TAC says these initiatives aim to reduce fatigue-related road trauma, which increases during peak holiday periods like Easter and school holidays, when traffic volume is higher and journeys are longer.
Tired drivers contribute to 16-20 per cent of fatal crashes on Victorian roads each year, while accounting for approximately 25 per cent of road trauma injuries at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne hospitals.
Research by Monash University and the TAC shows drivers who get fewer than five hours’ sleep are four times more likely to crash.
The Easter school holidays come as 60 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads so far this year.
Police will be patrolling Loddon highways and roads over Easter.
Meanwhile, police are asking respect to reduce family violence during the break.
Family Violence and Safer Communities Commander Sharon McKinnon said: “Easter should be a time when children feel safe, supported and free from fear – not a time when harm escalates behind closed doors.”
“Perpetrators should know there is nowhere to hide. Police will be out in force this Easter, prioritising the safety of victim‑survivors and children and holding offenders to account.”
Police say Easter is a time when family violence escalates.