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By Cherie Donnellan
INCREASING fatalities and injuries on Geelong region roads has prompted TAC to issue a call for safety ahead of Easter.
TAC figures show the region’s recorded 14 road fatalities last year compared to nine in 2010, while claims for “acute hospital admission” were up 36 to 320.
Geelong and Surf Coast roads ranked second for injuries in Victoria behind Warrnambool.
TAC chief executive officer Janet Dore said fatigue was a major contributing factor to road crashes.
She urged motorists to rest and plan ahead for their Easter journeys.
“Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road, plan your journey so you can take a break every two hours and take extra care on unfamiliar country roads,” Ms Dore said.
“The TAC encourages drivers planning an Easter road trip to make the most of the SES Driver Reviver stops across the state, to take a break and have a free coffee.
New Geelong Police Inspector Gary Bruce said his team would “be making a considerable effort around road policing over the Easter holiday period”.
“There will be an increased presence of all police personnel on the roads,” he said.
Insp Bruce warned that police would focus on speeding, fatigue and drink driving around the region.
Geelong police would also participate in statewide initiative Crossroads to keep roads safe over Easter.