Police will be doing their best to drive down road trauma during the high-risk Christmas period as Operation Roadwise starts on Friday, December 16.
The 12-day statewide road policing operation comes as the number of lives lost in Victoria reached 236, already surpassing last year’s total of 234 and sitting well above the five-year average of 221.
In Greater Shepparton alone, there have been six fatalities in the past year, with one further death still under investigation.
The operation will see police provide highly visible enforcement on Victoria’s major arterial roads and highways in an effort to reduce road trauma and detect dangerous drivers before someone is hurt.
Police intelligence shows there is an increased risk of impaired driving associated with end-of-year work and social functions, with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians also deemed at risk, particularly around busy shopping centre precincts.
Last year almost 130,000 motorists were tested for alcohol and drugs during Operation Roadwise, with police predicting the increase to a 12-day operation this year from 10 days will see even more motorists undergoing tests.
With 40 per cent of last year’s Operation Roadwise fines issued for speeding, police are reminding motorists to keep the foot off the accelerator to avoid a costly Christmas — the penalty for speeding by more than 10km/h but less than 15km/h is $370 and three demerit points, with those exceeding the speed limit by more than 25km/h facing even more significant penalties and a suspended licence.
Mobile phone use continues to be a major contributor to road trauma, with 536 mobile phone infringements issued to drivers during last year’s operation.
The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is $555 and four demerits.
Police are urging motorists not to ignore the warnings around road trauma, with 25 lives lost during December last year.
The operation starts at 12.01am on Friday, December 16 and will finish at 11.59pm on Tuesday, December 27.
Police enforcement will continue throughout the new year period.
Shepparton Highway Patrol Sergeant Janne Kennedy is urging people to drive safely during the Christmas period.
She said the police operation recognised that roads became busy during the Christmas holiday period, and that there was an increased likelihood of people driving while impaired.
Extra police will be working in the Shepparton area to ensure drivers are doing the right thing.
There will be more random breath tests, as well as more speed detection devices being used by police.
With several fatalities already in Greater Shepparton this year, Sgt Kennedy is hoping there will not be any more.
“Coming into the season with a higher risk, that is terrifying,” she said.
She urged people to also look out for each other, with Christmas functions in full swing.
“Look after your friends. Make sure they’re not been drinking or are impaired in any way (before driving),” she said.
“And if you’re going to be late, accept the fact you’re going to be later. Don’t offend on the roads.
“I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and drives safely and we don’t have any cause to speak to them.”