Take a break at a driver reviver site these school holidays

Driver reviver is a community program operated by volunteers from a wide range of organisations and community groups across Australia, who are determined to help reduce the road toll and aim to make your trip as safe as possible.

So please stop, revive and survive.

If you didn’t know with the upcoming school holidays starting this weekend, Gunalda has a driver reviver site located on the Bruce Highway, Gunalda rest area (east side of highway) which is operated by a dedicated team of volunteers from Gympie South Lions Club, Gympie Lions Club and Cooloola Gold Lions Club.

Driver reviver sites are set up at rest areas, and supply free tea, coffee, snacks and a friendly chat for all travellers.

Police speaking with Lions Club members at driver reviver site Gunalda

Driver reviver sites often have picnic tables, water, toilets, rubbish bins, parking areas, shelter tourist, and route information.

Inspector Brad Inskip from Gympie Patrol Group said he urged members of the community to drive sensibly and responsibly this school holiday period.

“Due to the roads being busier than usual, motorists are urged to take extra care while driving,” he said.

“Locals and visitors to the area can expect to be sharing our roads, therefore all motorists need to show patience and care when overtaking or passing.

“As always, speeding on the roads is a great concern. Speed limits will be enforced and anyone failing to abide by the road rules can expect a fine and the loss of demerit points.

“For those travelling long distances, please use the facilities such as driver reviver to take a break and I encourage you to take a break every two hours for at least 15 minutes.”

Image taken with police, representative Queensland Transport and Lions Club members driver reviver

Driving fatigued can have a direct consequence on your life and those around you.

It doesn’t only relate to falling asleep at the wheel – even brief lapses in concentration can have serious consequences.

It is important to recognise the warning signs of fatigue.

You should stop driving if you feel drowsy, have trouble keeping your head up, don’t remember the previous few minutes of driving, are yawning or blinking more than usual or drifting in or over lanes.

Tips to avoid driving tired:

Before you drive, make sure you:

  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • Avoid driving at times you’re normally sleeping
  • Avoid long drives after a day’s work
  • Understand the effects of any medicine you’re taking which might affect your driving
  • Plan to include regular rest breaks on long trips
  • Know and look for the warning signs of fatigue
  • When possible, arrange to share the driving
  • If you feel tired while driving, pull over in a safe place (such as a rest area or driver reviver site) and take a break or even a nap.

Over the Queensland school holidays, the Gunalda driver reviver site will be operating on June 24, 25, 26 and 27 and July 8, 9 and 10 between 7am to 7pm (pending weather, events, or unforeseen circumstances).

If the driver reviver site is closed, you can still use the site as a rest area to break up your drive and reduce fatigue.

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