BEFORE the race that stops a nation, motorists across the Mallee should expect to be stopped by Victoria Police as they look to keep roads safe.
The Melbourne Cup period is one of the high-risk times of the year for Victorian motorists and police want to change that.
Police will be on the roads until Tuesday as part of Operation Furlong, which aims to reduce road trauma.
Swan Hill Inspector Gerard de Vries said officers would aim to look after locals and holidaymakers.
“Our local police will absolutely be out and about over this weekend,” he said.
“Traditionally this is a weekend where people come up and holiday around the area.
“A lot of people also travel through this area, so it’s not just about our own local community, but certainly about any visitors to our area.
“We want everyone to have fun and come up and enjoy the Mallee, but to ensure that they are doing it in a safe way.”
Fatigued driving is one focus of the operation, with police asking motorists to plan their trip and ensure they don’t drive if tired.
Last year, during the five-day operation, police detected 224 drink-driving offences.
Police are anticipating 120,000 preliminary breath tests will be conducted during this year’s operation. Last year’s volume of testing was limited by strict COVID protocols that have now been scaled back.
The warning from police comes as the number of lives lost on Victorian roads reached 237, edging closer to last year’s total toll of 241.
It’s also the highest number of lives lost since 2016, when 240 fatalities had occurred to date.
Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said drinking and driving “simply don’t mix”.
“If you’re planning to have a drink this weekend, then don’t drive,” he said.
“Plan ahead, leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver, or utilise public transport or rideshare services.
“Police will have zero tolerance for drink and drug-driving – these behaviours continue to contribute significantly to serious injury and fatal collisions, and we’re doing everything we can to reduce further trauma on our roads this year.”
