Decemer 23, 2016
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Gippsland MP Darren Chester, has joined local police to encourage drivers to be safe on our roads this Christmas period.
Mr Chester and Inspector Dean Thomas have impressed upon drivers the importance of avoiding distractions, obeying the speed limit and not taking uncessary risks.
“We’ve had a terrible year on Gippsland roads, with 11 more fatalities than the same time last year. We’re just appealing to drivers to take care on the roads this Christmas,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s important to slow down, drive to the conditions and take a break when travelling long distances.
“The best Christmas present you can give anyone this year is to turn up on Christmas Day with your family.”
Mr Chester said roads across Gippsland were being made safer through upgrades and other safety improvements.
“We’ve had a lot of road work across Gippsland over the past 12 months so the driving conditions have changed, so we should all try to obey the speed limits and take the appropriate breaks,” Mr Chester said.
“And if you are going to drink these holidays, then plan not to drive.
“These are all sensible things we know; we’ve just got to do it during this Christmas break.”
Across the year, Gippsland has experienced one of its worse 12 months for fatalities and serious injuries.
The Victorian road toll currently stands at 281, up 15 per cent on 2015. A total of 144 deaths have occurred in regional Victoria.
Darren Chester MP with Insp Dean Thomas
