The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is urging motorists to plan ahead and avoid driving tired during the school holidays, with the state’s road toll already higher than last year.

According to TAC, 211 lives have been lost on Victorian roads so far in 2025 – nine more than at the same time in 2024 – with 112 of those fatalities occurring on regional roads.

Fatigue is estimated to be a factor in 16 to 20 per cent of all fatal crashes in Victoria.

Recent TAC research also showed that 60 per cent of people admitted to driving while “quite tired”, while 21 per cent admitted to driving “very tired” to the point of struggling to keep their eyes open.

TAC said falling asleep for just four seconds at 100km/h means a vehicle travels 111 metres – about 24 car lengths – without control.

“Fatigue is a major contributor to road trauma, particularly when people are travelling long distances on regional roads,” TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said.

“We encourage drivers to take a break from the road every two hours, share the driving where possible, and slow down and enjoy the drive.

"Getting to your destination later than planned is better than not arriving at all.”

To support safe travel, TAC has extended its Pause Stop program into 15 Visitor Information Centres, providing resources, children’s activity packs and local travel advice to encourage motorists to rest and explore the regions.

More information is available at www.tac.vic.gov.au/road-safety/pausestop.