Take a ‘break to stop, rest and refresh’ this long weekend

SES Winchelsea Unit members with the new Driver Reviver van. (VICSES)

SES Winchelsea Unit volunteers will be operating the first Driver Reviver rest stop in seven years during this Labour Day long weekend.

Volunteers will offer free coffee, tea and snacks from noon to 11pm on Friday, March 8, at 6 Main Street, and 10am to 5pm on Monday, March 11, at 2996 Princess Highway.

VICSES Winchelsea unit controller and Driver Reviver site manager David Hatty said he encouraged drivers to “stop, rest, revive, (and) survive”.

“Fatigue behind the wheel can be fatal. A break to stop, rest and refresh could save your life and your loved one’s lives,” he said.

“Our volunteers would much rather give you a free cuppa and have a friendly chat than respond to a motor vehicle accident further down the road.

“It’s vital motorists are aware of the dangers associated with driving without breaks over the holiday season, especially when people can take longer journeys on busier and often unfamiliar roads.”

Mr Hatty said fatigue was one of the biggest killers on the state’s roads, and it was important for motorists to get a good night’s sleep before travelling and take extra care while driving.

Volunteers have served more than 23 million hot drinks to drivers across Australia since the launch of Driver Reviver more than 28 years ago.