Wake Up This Easter With TAC Free Music!!

20 Apr 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: 20th April 2011

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is using free music giveaways to wake up young and drowsy drivers this Easter.

The latest TAC ad, filmed especially for Easter, urges motorists heading off on long weekend road trips to pull over at SES Driver Reviver stops, enjoy a tea or coffee, and take home a free music download voucher, while stocks last.

The vouchers are the latest tool the TAC is using to combat fatigue-related road trauma over the holiday period.

TAC Road Safety Manager, Samantha Cockfield, said providing an incentive for young drivers to take a break was becoming increasingly important.

"The SES Driver Reviver stops with their free hot drinks have proved an excellent way to get motorists to take breaks on long trips, but we wanted to give young drivers something extra to make them think about pulling over too," Ms Cockfield said.

This year's road toll is up two percent on this time last year, with 91 deaths compared to 89.

Twenty of those killed have been aged between 18 and 25.

Recent research has shown that going 17 hours without sleep has the same effect on your ability to drive a car, as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05.

"Fatigue is a factor in 20% of fatal crashes, making it one of the biggest killers on our roads."

Even the slightest period of shut-eye at the wheel can be deadly, with a four-second sleep at 100km/h leaving no-one in control of the car for 110 meters.

In addition to the latest TV advertisement, this Easter the TAC is reinforcing the fatigue messages through the use of billboards, truck backs, radio ads and other public education initiatives.

Anyone heading off on a road trip this Easter is urged to follow these tips to help them enjoy a safe holiday:

• Get a good night's sleep tonight before you hit the road.
• Don't drive when you would normally be asleep.
• Take powernaps and have breaks, and most importantly:
• Obey the basic road rules: stick to the speed limit, don't drive if impaired by alcohol or drugs, and make sure everyone's wearing their seatbelt.

"The importance of getting a good night's sleep the night before you head off on a long drive cannot be underestimated – it could save your life," Ms Cockfield said.

For more information contact Sarah Henderson on 0429 294 262