The recent crashes in the Latrobe Valley have impacted on many people and according to Road Trauma Support Team (RTST) Victoria, it is the smaller communities that are hardest hit.

RTST Victoria is a statewide counselling, education and support service for people who have been affected by road trauma.

RTST Victoria manager of support services, John Downes said an unusually high number of crashes in such a short space of time could be devastating on a small community.

``These people could be witnesses or the first at the scene and afterwards they can be affected by memories of the scene, the crash itself, flashbacks, lack of sleep, disturbing dreams, anxiety and heightened sensitivity,'' Mr Downes said.

``The heightened sense of anxiety can lead to a compromised sense of safety and security, especially in small communities where people think that this could happen again and to me.''

Mr Downes said even seeing the crash in the media could produce trauma symptoms.

``Just reading about the crash in the newspaper can lead to a heightened sense of anxiety but these reactions are normal, not normal in everyday life, but for those involved,'' he said.

``Just reading something could trigger a memory of a near miss or a crash in the past and this could hit a nerve sparking fears, it touches a chord with people.''

Mr Downes said the impact could also be felt by emergency services staff adding they too have loved ones who could be involved with the crash.

He said the emotions following a crash can be experienced for a few weeks before they settle.

RTST Victoria provides free counselling and support to passengers, witnesses, people first on the scene or anybody impacted by a crash.

RTST Victoria operates between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and can be contacted on 1300367797.