Shepparton police have nominated what they’ll be cracking down on this weekend.
Beginning on Friday, March 8 at 12.01am and concluding on Monday, March 11 at 11.59pm, Operation Arid will run for four days.
Acting Senior Sergeant Jenni Lamond said there would be highly visible enforcement of road rules to reduce road trauma, with a focus on major arterial and rural roads.
Throughout the operation, police will target speeding, impaired drivers, distraction, fatigue, seatbelts and unauthorised driving.
Sen Sgt Lamond said these were all significant contributors to road trauma.
“People are making extremely poor choices when opting to go behind the wheel,” she said.
The 2023 Labour Day long weekend operation saw 28 trauma collisions on regional roads, which was 30 per cent higher than the average weekend, and traffic volumes in regional Victoria were 12 per cent higher than the average weekend.
“We are alarmed at the number of drivers who are breaking road rules, especially speeding and impaired driving, both of which are highlighted in Shepparton,” Sen Sgt Lamond said.
“There has been a 30.8 per cent increase in the last 12 months in relation to drug-affected driving.
“This is highlighted by one patrol shift in which an officer had two drug-affected drivers in one shift. There is no excuse for drink or drug driving.”
Hoon driving will also be targeted during Operation Arid.
“Hoon driving is also an issue in Shepparton, with over 100 vehicles impounded by police last year,” Sen Sgt Lamond said.
“Hoons will be targeted and held to account.
“The people of Shepparton have raised concerns about the tyre marks on the roads and how loud cars are in the area, and we want to tell them that we know it’s a problem and are addressing it.”
The state-wide road toll as of 11.59pm on March 6 was 50. This time last year, it was 63, but Sen Sgt Lamond said 50 was still unacceptable.
“Expect no let-up from police on our roads,” she said.
“We’ll be doing all we can to ensure we don’t have a year on our roads like 2023.
“The lives lost on our roads go beyond statistics; it’s a harrowing loss for our community where every number is a person dear to someone.
“These tragedies remind us of the stark reality and profound impact road trauma has on families every year.
“So please think about how you drive, own your actions and play your part in keeping our roads safe for all.”