THE Roadwise campaign – the Christmas holiday season road policing operation – began last week and will tackle the ‘fatal five’ road trauma contributors during this period.
Senior sergeant Andrew Donovan from the Swan Hill highway patrol said these include excessive speed; drink and drug driving; driver distraction; fatigue; and seatbelt offences.
“With COVID-19 restrictions eased, we are expecting an increase in visitors to our area, meaning an increase in traffic,” Snr Sgt. Donovan said.
“We know this year has been a challenging one for Victorians.
“We want everyone to enjoy time with their family and friends, but we also want everyone from your family present at the Christmas table this year.”
Police will be highly visible during the operation to detect and reduce the main causes of fatal and serious injury collisions, saturating the roads across the state in efforts to reduce road trauma.
“All we ask is that you slow down, drive carefully and think twice about others,” Snr Sgt. Donovan said.
“If you’re driving long distances, take regular breaks and where possible share the driving to avoid fatigue.
“If you choose to take drugs or consume too much alcohol, separate the behaviour from the road and don’t get behind the wheel.”
The public are reminded that every police vehicle can be either a mobile booze bus or a drug bus, i.e. a mobile alcohol and drug testing unit.
Keeping impaired drivers off the roads will one of the key focuses for the police in the Roadwise campaign which will run until December 26.
