The Road Trauma Support Services started in 1994 due to a lack of counseling services for people affected by road trauma.

The support services also offers education programs like Road Trauma Awareness seminars.

"People who display risking driving behaviours and are brought to the attention of the police or the court can be referred to this program," Mr Marlow said.

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"We use volunteer speakers to talk about their personal experience of road trauma or an emergency service workers like SES or CFA to talk about their experience as crashes as part of restorative justice to talk to these people and let them know the impact road trauma has had on them."

Mr Marlow said the Grampians see risky behaviour like drink and drug driving, speeding, and falling asleep at the wheel.

"We find if people go through the court system they don't get that education and they don't get that experience of listening to someone who has gone through road trauma,"

"It's a very effective means of conveying the idea of driving safely and the way it can impact on not only the person but their family and the community around them.

"We look at how one bad decision can affect hundreds of people.

"The stories from our volunteers who have experience personal road trauma get to people the most. People really click with those stories."

Mr Marlow said the sessions show people the ripple effect from road trauma.

He said from witnessing someone being belligerent after a fender bender to an emergency service volunteer, it can impact people and their surroundings.

"It also affects the whole community by having to pay for imprisonment, running courts and law enforcement," Mr Marlow said.

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He said as a community, people can help reduce road trauma.

"Every time you get into your car, think about not just getting to your destination but getting there safely. Slow down. Put your phones away," he said.

"Be courteous and patient. Talk about road safety around the kitchen table, talk about how to drive safely and role model good driving behaviour."

One thing the service needs right now is more volunteers.

Mr Marlow said they need volunteers across the Wimmera and Grampians.

"We'd love to have people from police, paramedics, SES and CFA to speak at our awareness seminars," he said.

"We'd like to also have people who have been impacted personally by road trauma. We provide training and support, we help our volunteers compose and practice their story and any support they need to keep going."

If you need road trauma support, call 1300 367 797.

For more information on the service, visit rtssv.org.au/

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