Police are warning the community to be safe following what has been a weekend of “disappointing” behaviour from some drivers.
As part of Operation Furlong, the statewide drug and alcohol testing operation taking place over the Melbourne Cup weekend, police have caught several drivers taking risks and driving under the influence of alcohol.
On Saturday morning, a man was intercepted by Mooroopna police after he was seen driving with his high beams on during what was a sunny day.
He was processed at the Shepparton police station and found to be heavily intoxicated at the time.
He then fell asleep at the station immediately after his breath test.
Sergeant Wallis Murnane was custody supervisor at the time and said in her 15 years of working for Victoria Police, it was the first time she had witnessed a person subject to drink driving fall asleep at a police station.
“If this male continued driving on our roads and fell asleep whilst driving, the consequences for himself and other road users could have been catastrophic,” Sgt Murnane said.
The driver’s car was impounded and he will attend Shepparton Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
On Sunday, November 5, a man and two women were also caught allegedly drink driving on Fryers St, Shepparton.
This occurred within a 20-minute period and before 8.30am, with each of the drivers indicating they consumed alcohol “the night before” and didn’t expect it to still be in their system.
Each of these drivers will receive infringement notices and have their licences cancelled.
Sgt Murnane said it was disappointing to see people taking these risks on the roads, especially in what had been a precarious time for fatal road accidents.
“The Goulburn Valley district has sadly experienced a high number of fatal collisions in 2023,” Sgt Murnane said.
“These are all tragic events that have a far-and-wide impact on our community members.
“Shepparton police and the Victoria Police Major Collisions Investigation Unit have regularly attended road fatalities in the district, which greatly impacts upon attending police and other emergency services personnel.
“Shepparton police are concerned and wish to urge motorists to look after themselves and other road users at all times.”
Operation Furlong will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday, November 7.