Easter is a solemn time when Christians remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and as a holiday lasting several days, motorists generally try to make the best of it.

So they start heading for their destinations tonight or early tomorrow, then it’s back home on Sunday or Monday, all adding up to an intense time on our roads.

Police naturally want motorists to pay attention, take good rests, and not speed or get distracted.

From today, 12 white crosses will line the Hume Freeway between Glenrowan and Springhurst, each marking the spot where a car came off the road and where a life was lost.

A cross is a potent Easter symbol, but here it represents the pain felt by family and friends at the loss of a loved one, often on occasions that should have been happy.

Police hope the crosses will encourage drivers to remember the warnings, to heed the campaigns, the TV commercials and the stories of others where loss of life was unnecessary.

If travelling, don’t ignore the crosses; their message is far too important.