Police target road safety over holiday season

Police target road safety over holiday season

FROM today until the 1st of January 2025, Victoria Police will run Operation Roadwise, aiming to increase driver awareness and encourage responsible driving to reduce the exposure to road trauma on road users during the busy holiday period.

Victoria Police will focus on high-risk driving behaviours that contribute to fatalities and serious injuries, including speeding, distracted driving (especially involving mobile phones), fatigue, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun Allen said people will notice a visible presence on local roads during this period.

“All units in Victoria Police will dedicate their duties to the road policing operation. Obviously, with the Christmas-New Year period, it’s a high-risk time for us. Last year we lost 296 lives. This year, it’s about 274.”

Acting Senior Sergeant Allen explained that the operation has a two-phased approach.

The first phase will focus on drug and alcohol testing, targeting Christmas parties and end-of-year gatherings.

The second phase will shift towards addressing speeding and fatigue-related issues as families travel to and from holiday destinations.

Last year, during Operation Roadwise, 5,854 motorists were caught driving 10-25 km/h over the speed limit.

Tragically, 16 lives were lost during the operation, contributing to a total of 296 lives lost in 2023.

“Single acts of non-compliance, people making basic driving errors, contribute to the majority of fatalities. You might do the right thing most of the time, but that minute of complacency, it’s all over,” he said.

He said fatigue is a significant issue, particularly on weekends.

“We have a focus on these roads most weekends, with people coming out of the city on Friday nights and heading back on Sunday. That’s where fatigue comes in,” Acting Senior Sergeant Allen said.

Operation Roadwise 2024 aims to ensure the safety of all road users this holiday season through increased police presence and proactive engagement with drivers.