AMIDST Victoria’s surge in road fatalities, the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre has been designated one of 15 premium ‘Pause Stop’ locations by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC). Situated within a two-hour drive from Melbourne’s north and key Northeast Victoria destinations, the centre offers essential respite for travellers.
Boasting amenities like on-site cafes, toilets, a Changing Places facility, a children’s playground, and indoor/outdoor lounges, the Visitor Centre is well-equipped for a ‘Pause Stop’ experience. Staff and volunteers, trained in TAC’s messaging, will assist in effective stopovers and future travel planning.
With Victoria hitting its highest road toll in 15 years, TAC and VTIC have established ‘Pause Stop’ locations to promote safe driving practices. The Centre will serve as a crucial resource hub, offering information on combating drowsy driving, engaging kids during stops, and aiding in journey planning.
As 2023 saw 296 road fatalities in Victoria, a significant increase from 2022, the ‘Pause Stop’ campaign urges all travellers, particularly those on extended regional journeys, to prioritise safety. Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, emphasised the importance of safety during summer holidays, encouraging travellers to utilise ‘Pause Stop’ locations for a refreshing break.
TAC’s head of road safety, Samantha Cockfield, underscored the need for planning, sufficient rest, adapting to road conditions, minimising distractions, and taking regular breaks.
“With more people travelling at this time of year, often with friends or family, and for longer periods, on unfamiliar roads, we are urging people to plan ahead and take pause stops along the way,” she said.
For more on ‘Pause Stop’ locations and tips to avoid drowsy driving, visit www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/pausestop.
