THE Coleraine RSL Subbranch Driver Reviver stop has been set up as Victorians hit the road for the summer holidays.

The volunteer-run stop will be open from 10am to 6pm daily from December 31 to January 4 and serves complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits, offering the perfect opportunity for travellers to rest and recover on their journey.

Coleraine RSL Subbranch secretary, Eileen Broadwood said the stop had seen around 100 drivers throughout the Christmas break and that numbers were expected to pick up as people head away for the New Years.

Victorians have been urged to be well rested and take breaks when travelling over the festive period, as many people prepare to take summer road trips for the first time in two years.

People will be relishing the chance to reunite with loved ones, with many driving long distances, at higher speeds and on unfamiliar roads for the first time in a long time.

 One of the biggest risks associated with driving in these circumstances is fatigue, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) data has shown drowsy driving contributes to 16-20 per cent of all fatalities on Victorian roads.

Sleep deprivation is a key risk factor - research shows being awake for 17 hours has the same effect on your driving ability as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 and going without sleep for 24 hours has the same effect as a blood alcohol level of 0.1 - double the legal limit.

Victorian Roads minister, Ben Carroll said it while people may be excited to visit family and friends after a prolonged period of separation, it was most important Victorians arrive safely.

“Taking a break during long drives not only helps combat drowsy driving, it is also a great opportunity to contribute to local economies on your way to visit family and friends this summer,” he said.

“Fatigue is a major cause of crashes in Victoria – we mustn’t let our excitement of reuniting with loved ones distract us from the risks posed by driving long distances.

“The best present you can give your loved ones this festive season is your presence.”

As well as being well rested before hitting the road, the key to a relaxing and safe road trip is planning ahead, and drivers are encouraged to plan a rest break every two hours.

The TAC has set up ‘Pause Stops’ along major regional routes to help drivers stay rested this summer.

 Pause stops offer complimentary barista-made coffee, comfortable deck chairs for a 15-minute powernap and games to entertain children while parents relax.

Pause Stops will also host a range of market stalls run by local businesses to support local economies after what has been another difficult year for the state’s tourism industry.

The TAC chief executive, Joe Calafiore said Victorians deserve a happy and relaxing summer with those closest to them.

“If you find yourself daydreaming, missing exits or drifting from your lane, take a break and consider a 15-minute powernap,” he said.

 “There are plenty of places to stop all throughout the state, take your time so you can get to your destination safely.”

The TAC has worked closely with the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) to identify key locations for rest stops along major, high-traffic arterial roads.

For further information on the Pause Stop and the SES Driver Reviver location sites go to tac.vic.gov.au/pausestop.