The member for Indi lost her sister, Anne-Marie, in a car crash at Melbourne in 1975.

The 25-year-old’s car was hit by a truck during a brief moment of inattention.

While the crash occ-urred four decades ago, Ms McGowan said it was still quite sad for her and other family members.

She hopes speaking about the incident ahead of the Easter period and a major police campaign will spare other families from such pain.

“I understand the trauma that comes with families when someone dies,” she said.

“We don’t want that to happen.

“We want this to be a fatality-free weekend right across North East Victoria.”

Ms McGowan said road users needed to take extra care and take regular breaks during their journeys.

“She died at the long weekend in March,” she said.

“It’s a fair few years ago now but it’s the tragedy that stays with your family forever.

“Car accidents in particular are horrific.

“When people die you’re living with that forever.”

Police will target motorists throughout the long weekend with a particular focus on motorbike riders.

In the past five years, one person has died and 44 people have been injured in 34 crashes in the Wangaratta region over Easter.

Motorbike riders have featured heavily in the statistics.

Albury officers will also target road users in the Albury Local Area Command.

Wangaratta Acting Inspector Garry Barton said people should not rush to their destinations and said it appeared people were heeding the anti- fatigue message.