General News
5 December, 2025
SES urges motorists to stay safe this holiday
THE Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is urging motorists to take extra care on the roads this holiday season, with volunteers responding to a rising number of road crash rescue (RCR) incidents across the state this year.
VICSES provides the largest road rescue network in Australia, with 105 accredited Road Crash Rescue provider units across Victoria, and 22 Rescue Support Units.
Last year, VICSES volunteers attended more than 2,200 road crash rescues across Victoria, providing critical support when people were trapped and needed emergency extrication.
This has jumped from 1,859 incidents in the year prior.
Recent data highlights a continued upward trend in incidents across multiple regions, underscoring the importance of road-safety awareness and the vital role played by local VICSES volunteers.
Across the state, VICSES has recorded sustained increases in road-crash rescue callouts in recent years.
In the South West of Victoria, Warrnambool alone, incidents have risen from 17 to 40 between 22/23 and 24/25, reflecting a broader statewide trend.
These rising numbers continue to challenge emergency responders and highlight the shared responsibility we all have in staying alert and making safe choices on the road.
Fatigue is a major contributor to road trauma, contributing to an estimated 16–20% of all crashes in Victoria.
Holiday travel often includes long distances, unfamiliar roads, and fatigue factors that and the potential for fatigue which can significantly increase crash risk.
Ahead of the holiday period, VICSES volunteers are reminding all road users to:
Plan their trip, know your journey and conditions;
Take a break at least every two hours;
Share driving responsibilities where possible;
Avoid driving late at night or when tired;
Allow extra time for traffic and weather conditions.
Always drive to the conditions. Warrnambool Unit volunteers have so far responded to 13 road-crash rescues over the past year, supporting motorists in South West Victoria.
As holiday traffic builds, the unit is calling on motorists to exercise additional caution when travelling over the coming months.
VICSES relies on dedicated volunteers who respond to emergencies 24/7, including storm damage, flood response, land search, and road-crash rescue.
Community members in the South West are encouraged to consider joining their local unit, with comprehensive training and access to equipment provided.
Roles are flexible and include operational response, community engagement, communications, logistics, and support functions.
No previous experience is required.
