Police & Court
Ho ho hold up: Operation Roadwise urges extra caution for road safety this holiday season
From the hassle of dealing with a ticket to the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one, ’tis the season to stick to speed limits and avoid a costly Christmas.
To promote road safety, Victoria Police is ramping up its efforts to ensure safety remains a priority during one of the year’s busiest travel times with the launch of Operation Roadwise.
Kicking off at 12.01am on Friday, December 13, and running until 11:59pm on January 1, 2025, Operation Roadwise will see a heightened police presence on major roads and arterials across Victoria.
This year’s operation extends over 20 days, responding to data highlighting December as the peak month for drink-driving incidents.
“December is a high-risk period on our roads,” Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said.
“We know there is a significant risk associated with impaired driving, and we also see an influx of traffic as people head on holidays to regional areas.”
The stakes are high, with police proactively targeting impaired drivers through widespread testing every day of the operation.
Last year, more than 300,000 preliminary breath tests and nearly 9000 roadside drug tests were conducted.
“Motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time, and be prepared to face the consequences if you’re caught over the limit,” Asst Comm Weir said.
Data indicates that the consequences of negligence during this period can be severe.
Last year, 17 lives were lost on Victorian roads between December 15 and January 1.
Although fatalities so far this year have slightly decreased to 273 compared to 276 at this time last year, police emphasise that every life lost is one too many.
“It’s been another devastating year on our roads, and we make no apologies for doing all we can to prevent further serious injuries and deaths,” Asst Comm Weir said.
In addition to focusing on impaired driving, Victoria Police is reminding motorists to obey traffic rules, including speed limits, especially with Boxing Day expected to be one of the busiest days for travel.
The previous year’s Operation Roadwise saw police issue over 19,000 traffic infringements, with speeding accounting for a significant portion at 7631 offences.
This year, the operation will emphasise testing for impairment and promoting safe driving practices.
Victorians are urged to plan their travel, arrange a designated driver, or utilise alternative transport options.
“The last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse, as a result of road trauma,” Asst Comm Weir said.
For more information on staying safe on the roads during the holidays, visit police.vic.gov.au/road-safety