The Transport Accident Commission is urging motorists to avoid driving tired these school holidays, as the number of lives lost on the state’s roads continues to climb.

TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter reminded Victorians to plan ahead before taking to the road during the holiday period.

As of September 22, 215 lives have been lost on Victorian roads this year — eight more than the same time last year — with 112 of those fatalities happening on regional roads.

The TAC is reminding motorists to slow down, take breaks, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, wear a seatbelt and put their phone away.

Driving tired is a factor in an estimated 16 to 20 per cent of all fatal crashes in Victoria.

To avoid driving tired, motorists should ensure they get a good night’s sleep before starting their journey, allow plenty of travel time, plan a break from the road every two hours, avoid distractions and swap drivers if possible.

“Fatigue is a major contributor to road trauma, particularly when people are travelling long distances on regional roads,” Ms Slatter said.

"We encourage drivers to take a break from the road every two hours, share the driving where possible, and slow down and enjoy the drive.

“Getting to your destination later than planned is better than not arriving at all.”

To help travellers reach their destinations safely, the TAC is extending its Pause Stop Program into 15 visitor information centres through its renewed partnership with the Victoria Tourism Industry Council.

These centres, including Benalla’s, provide motorists with a range of resources to plan a safe journey and activities to entertain the kids, while also encouraging motorists to enjoy the local attractions each region has to offer.

On top of this, driver reviver sites also operate in rest areas on all major freeways in Victoria, allowing tired motorists to take a break and enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee.

Visit tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/pausestop/ for more information on Pause Stop and Driver Reviver locations.

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