| Tasmania’s Driver Reviver program is hitting the road with a fresh, new look, complete with a versatile multipurpose trailer to assist in reducing road trauma. “This is a new look and feel Driver Reviver for Tasmania, enabled through a $50,000 injection from the Motor Accidents Insurance Board to the SES,” said Assistant Director of the SES, Leon Smith. “Although the previous long standing Driver Reviver concept suited for many years, feedback from the public flagged a need to change the approach to make it more appealing for drivers to take the time to stop and engage whilst travelling the State,” said Mr. Smith. The new concept is based on “going to the people” rather than the traditional set up in remote locations with limited facilities. The revamped program is based on setting up in high volume traffic areas in locations where people tend to stop. “We know people are stopping in these areas and it enables engagement and the sharing of driver safety insights, a cuppa and biscuit and most importantly a break,” said Mr. Smith. The new concept also caters for the younger passengers, with a number of games and activities now available as part of the new concept. Mr. Smith says Tasmania SES has had a proud and long involvement with Driver Reviver within Tasmania. “Tasmania SES delivers Road Crash Rescue services from 27 locations around Tasmania and attends on average between 450-500 motor vehicle related incidents each year. “Our staff and volunteers often undertake the unenviable task of helping remove occupants who are trapped in vehicles – they would much rather be able to have a chat and a cuppa with you than meet you in unfortunate and most likely avoidable circumstances.” MAIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Kingston, welcomed the revamped Driver Reviver concept. “MAIB is pleased to have been able to assist the Driver Reviver program and want to encourage people to break up their journeys and stop and have a drink and a chat to the SES volunteers, who generously give up their time to run these sites.” “We’re happy to see Driver Reviver adapting to meet the needs of Tasmanian motorists and are confident the new trailer will be beneficial to this important program,” said Mr. Kingston. The Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Scott Tilyard, said the Driver Reviver Program plays an important part in promoting the road safety message. “Fatigue is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ contributing factors to serious injuries and fatalities on our roads and we know that driving while tired can be as dangerous as drink driving,” said Mr Tilyard. “It’s not only long trips where fatigue can be present, tiredness can creep in on even short drives and it’s important to recognise the early warning signs, such as yawning, blinking frequently, slower reaction times and difficulty remembering the last few kilometres driven. “The Driver Reviver concept encourages the physical act of stopping and taking a break, which can prevent the onset of fatigue.” The pilot event will be held at Campbell Town in the park opposite Banjos on 1st April, the Monday of the Easter long weekend. Feedback will be sought from the public during the event, If successful, it’s anticipated the resources will be duplicated in other regions throughout the year. |
