THE festive season is all about spending time with loved ones and celebrating. To ensure the safety of those loved ones, the wider community and ourselves, it’s important to take extra care on our roads.
This year so far, 237 families will be missing someone from their gatherings and every death on our roads is one too many.
Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, SES and CFA alongside GMCU, Triple M and The Adviser wish to remind our community to stay vigilant, alert and take a break to help stay awake while driving on our roads.
“We urge everyone to be patient and take a break on long drives to ensure they’re alert and driving safely,” said Shepparton Police senior constable, Trent Marks.
“Speeding, being distracted while driving and driving under the influence are all factors which contribute to the road toll, and they are all avoidable. Resist the temptation to pick up your phone and plan your journey ahead of time to minimise distractions.”
Ambulance Victoria paramedic, Adrian Pensak also had some advice around other ways to stay safe.
“In addition to road safety, this time of year is also peak time for water incidents, injuries resulting from intoxication and even household accidents. Please be mindful in and around water, while celebrating and even around your home to ensure you safely enjoy the holiday season,” said Mr Pensak.
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the North East CFA Region has now commenced. Despite flooding weeks ago, the community should still be vigilant about fire risk this season.
“This year the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System was introduced, we urge everyone to take a few moments to familiarise themselves with this as it will help you decide what actions to take to protect yourselves from bushfires and grass fires this summer and incorporate it into your fire safety plan,” said Tallygaroopna Country Fire Authority member, Adrian Moule.
GMCU Shepparton branch manager Dallas Moore would like to take the opportunity to thank all emergency services personnel for their tireless service to our community.
“We are proud to be involved in raising awareness for road safety each holiday season and we thank our emergency services for the work that they do year-round to help keep us safe. Let’s work together to ease the pressure on them this holiday season by being accountable for our own safety on the roads and while celebrating to ensure we all get to our destinations and have the opportunity to spend invaluable time with our friends and family.”
Remember that locals die on local roads, it’s just as important to take care when travelling short distances as well as on long journeys. Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, SES and CFA alongside GMCU, Triple M and The Adviser wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year.
