THE Occupation Health Safety and Compensation Branch (OHSC) is
offering a safe and cost-effective means of accommodation for
Defence members and their families travelling in Australia during
the peak posting and holiday period.
Gary Skewes, of OHSC, said many Defence members would travel to
places throughout Australia to visit family and friends in what
could be the worst time of the year to be on the roads.
“After-hours vehicle accidents are a major cause of deaths
among Defence personnel every year,” Mr Skewes said.
He said one factor that contributed to motor vehicle accidents
was driver fatigue, resulting from driving long distances without
adequate rest breaks.
“Research has shown that driver fatigue could be a factor
in up to half of all motor vehicle accidents in Australia,”
he said.
The Defence Highway Rest Stop Program allows all Defence military
and civilian personnel and their families to use transit accommodation
and facilities at nominated Defence bases at a small cost.
Participating bases and booking information is at www.ohsc.defence.gov.au/Programs/RoadSafety/.
