Victorians urged to avoid roads and not strain virus frontline effort
Victorians are being urged to avoid non essential travel over the Easter period with authorities fearing road accidents over the long weekend could create major strain on the state’s hospital system.
VIC News
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Motorists have been urged to stay vigilant and keep off the road this Easter weekend as the number of lives lost in Victoria follows the path of a horrific 2019.
Authorities are asking anyone who does not need to travel to stay at home, with the long weekend a dangerous period for accidents that could strain the state’s hospital system.
In 2020, there have been 76 lives lost across the state compared to 82 for the same time last year.
More than two thirds of these deaths were recorded in regional and rural areas.
Monash University Accident Research Centre Associate Professor Michael Fitzharris said it was vital to reduce the strain of road trauma.
“We can’t afford at the best of times to have any crashes and road trauma has a serious impact on the workload of doctors, nurses and paramedics,” he said.
“We need every resource in the health system focused where it is needed so we implore people to be safe and drive only if necessary.”
Mr Fitzharris said speed and distraction were major safety concerns, with the road toll rising despite many people not using their car.
“Driver distraction is a risk even when it doesn’t involve technology,” he said.
“People’s minds might not necessarily be focused on the road at this time and it only takes a second for a crash to happen.
“There may also be a tendency for people to exceed the speed limit while the roads have less traffic.
“We cannot afford for people to be doing that.”
Transport Accident Commission lead director of road safety Samantha Cockfield said drivers who must be on the road over Easter should take extra care.
“While year to date road fatalities are below 2019, unfortunately we have seen an increase in road fatalities over the past few weeks,” she said.
“We encourage everyone to follow the Victorian Government’s directions to stay home.”
A government spokesman said the message to Victorians was clear.
“There are only four reasons to leave your home – to get food and supplies, access medical care, exercise or for work or education,” he said.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to drive safely and reduce the pressure on our health system – there’s simply no excuse for texting while driving, speeding or any other dangerous driving behaviour.”
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