Police are appealing for motorists to stay safe ahead of one of the biggest travel weekends of the year.
Three fatal crashes across the state in the first three days of April have emergency services concerned about the potential for more carnage on the roads.
Operation Nexus launches at midnight on Thursday, when police will ramp up enforcement across the state in an effort to reduce road trauma.
So far in 2023, 87 lives have been lost statewide, a more than 33 per cent increase on last year, with more than 25 lives lost on roads in and around the Goulburn Valley.
Deaths on rural roads account for 60 per cent of those deaths.
Easter is a high-risk period on the road, with many Melburnians heading across the state, while regional Victorians also take advantage of the four-day break to get away.
Major arterials and roads leading to regional Victoria and holiday hotspots will be a particular focus, following a spike in deaths.
Police issued more than 8000 infringement notices over a five-day Easter operation last year and will again be on the lookout for speeding as well as distracted and impaired drivers.
Victoria Police Assistant Commission of Road Policing Glenn Weir said police would be out in force to try to prevent more lives being lost.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to drive down road trauma this Easter — Operation Nexus will see our members highly visible and enforcing across the state,” he said.
“With so many lives lost on rural roads this year, we’ll be particularly focused on the major arterials leading to regional Victoria and popular holiday hotspots.”
RACV general manager automotive services Jackie Pedersen has also urged Victorians to exercise caution when travelling on the roads this weekend.
“The Easter break is always a great opportunity for a road trip but there are some simple tips you can follow to help keep you and others safe, such as planning ahead before travelling on unfamiliar routes or breaking up your trip with stops along the way,” Ms Pedersen said.