Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News

Key messages in road safety signs

Cr Keith Smyth (East Gippsland Shire), Terry Lamshed (East Gippsland Shire Community Safety Officer), Heather Morrison (VicRoads/RoadSafe), and Andrew Howe and Scott Grambau (3TR FM local reps.)

As many as 30 per cent of all road fatalities and serious crashes are attributed to some extent to fatigue

By Kevin Hennessy - 13th January 2003 - Back to News

RoadSafe East Gippsland, East Gippsland Shire Council and Radio 3TR FM have combined to tackle the issue of road safety, with three large signs recently erected around Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.

The road safety signage was an initiative of RoadSafe East Gippsland and locations with high traffic volumes and good visibility were chosen by Heather Morrison (VicRoads) and Terry Lamshed (East Gippsland Shire).

"As many as 30 per cent of all road fatalities and serious crashes are attributed to some extent to fatigue and this figure is even higher in the East Gippsland region," Heather said.

"All drivers should have a break from driving every two hours. They should also take a 15 minute powernap if feeling fatigued or drowsy.

"Fatigue is an elusive problem that the RoadSafe committee has identified as a priority to address.

"RoadSafe came up with the idea of giving the travelling public a friendly reminder about taking a break by putting fatigue and road safety related messages on signs.

"RoadSafe approached the East Gippsland Shire and Radio 3TR FM for support and both have assisted by way of donating and erecting the signs," Heather said.

East Gippsland Shire Community Safety Officer, Terry Lamshed, said the signs are an excellent example of how businesses and agencies can work together to tackle an issue important to the community.

"It's crucial that we keep sending clear messages to motorists on the importance of road safety, particularly at this holiday time of the year when more vehicles are on our roads.

"RoadSafe is to be congratulated on initiating the signage project and East Gippsland Shire is only too pleased to be able to support this initiative, to assist drivers in our region arriving at their destination safely," Terry said.

The road signs have been erected at the following sites:

• "Stay Alert, Stay Alive" on the Princes Highway just west of Bairnsdale;
• "Wake Up To Yourself" on the Princes Highway just east of Lakes Entrance;
• "Drive To Survive" on the Paynesville Road just south of Bairnsdale.

Source: http://east.gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.