Gippslanders have been urged to take road safety seriously during the Easter long weekend and school holidays.
With students finishing this week, The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has urged motorists to take regular breaks and travel safe on Gippsland’s roads.
Mr Chester said Gippsland was a popular tourist destination during the Easter break because there were so many options regardless of the weather.
“We are fortunate in Gippsland to have so many destinations ranging from the Ninety Mile Beach and Gippsland Lakes to the Buchan Caves, historic villages and the high country to Tarra Bulga National Park and local rail trails,” he said.
“We also have fantastic restaurants and wineries with views of the lakes and wilderness and the annual Tarra Festival at Yarram offers plenty of fun activities for families.”
Mr Chester said with the influx of visitors came increased traffic and he encouraged locals and visitors to allow extra time on the roads and take regular breaks.
He said the Federal Government was investing heavily in road safety across Gippsland, with work being undertaken along the Princes Highway, Great Alpine Road, Monaro Highway, Hyland Highway and South Gippsland Highway.
“This has included the construction of new overtaking lanes, slow vehicle pullover areas and road-side rest stops,” Mr Chester said.
“Gippsland has many picturesque towns where drivers and their passengers can refuel their vehicles, grab a bite to eat and stretch their legs.
“As road users, we all need to take our share of responsibility for road safety. Police officers, government departments, ministers and road safety experts can only do so much.
“Every time we get behind the wheel we need to have a ‘safety first’ culture and drive to survive the journey.”
