DRIVERS taking risks on Mallee roads can expect to be caught, with the launch of a 24-day road policing operation on Friday.
Operation Roadwise will see police crackdown on dangerous driving behaviour, from taking drugs and drinking to speeding and fatigue.
With 253 people killed on Victorian roads this year — 139 on country roads — Swan Hill highway patrol Sergeant Les McPhee told The Guardian it was the responsibility of every road user to drive with others in mind.
“As many police as available will be working on the roads, this operation is about providing a visible police presence to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely,” Sgt McPhee said.
“Our road toll is too high and we would love to have a zero road toll from now on.”
The operation will run from December 13 to January 5 next year.
Holiday hot spots and dangerous drivers are among the main focus areas for officers during the period, as officers work to make Mallee roads safe this festive season.
“We will be targeting speed, fatigue, distractions, seat belts and mobile phones,” Sgt McPhee said.
“As always drivers need to make sure they are taking regular breaks, share the driving and be aware of your surroundings.
“Plan your trip and if you are planning to have a drink, make sure you have a designated driver.”
Named the silly season for a reason, Sgt McPhee urged drivers to be smart about their behaviour and avoid getting behind the wheel after a Christmas celebration.
“There will be more traffic on the roads from here moving forward, with people travelling for holidays and end-of-year work functions,” Sgt McPhee said.
“We will be looking at people who drink and drive over that period, we’re not saying don’t celebrate, just don’t drive when you do.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, if we all work together we can get to a zero road toll.”
During last year’s Operation Roadwise, police detected a total of 33,829 traffic offences across the state, including 12,050 speeding offences, 1883 mobile phone offences, 892 drink drive offences and 920 drug drive offences.
Police honoured the memory of the 253 people killed on state roads this year with a Christmas tree, adorned with baubles inscribed with names and ages, signifying the commencement of Operation Roadwise.
A tragic year so far, a larger tree was required to fit all the baubles for 2019.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said the baubles acted as a reminder that behind the statistics of road trauma are real people.
“Everyone who loses their life on our roads is missed by someone, and each of these baubles represents a person who was special to those who knew and loved them,” AC Murphy said.
“It’s a reminder that lives lost on our roads is not about numbers – it’s about real families losing people they love.
“Behind each of these baubles is a story of a family that is grieving for a mum, dad, brother, sister, son or daughter who won’t be coming home this Christmas.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville also urged drivers to take their responsibilities on the road seriously.
“Dangerous drivers put other road users at risk and have no place on Victorian roads,” Ms Neville said.
“One death on our roads is one too many, and this Christmas we’re doing everything we can’t to keep motorists safe.
“We want to see all Victorians drivers make the right choices this Christmas and New Year period.
“If you speed, use your phone behind the wheel or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be caught.”
