An almost two-week long road safety operation will begin tomorrow to keep Victorian motorists safe over the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day period.
With increased police numbers and booze and drug buses out in force, the 13-day Operation Nexus campaign will target the fatal five – speed, fatigue, distraction, failure to wear seatbelts, and drug and drink driving.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville today launched the campaign, joining Victoria Police and road trauma victims in urging drivers to think of their loved ones when they hit the roads over the holiday period.
Ken and June McGrath spoke of the devastating loss of their 38-year-old son, Damian Cox, who was killed in a head-on crash with a truck in Laverton North last year.
Over the last five years, 16 people have lost their lives and 450 have been seriously injured on Victorian roads over Easter.
Holidaymakers are often taking longer journeys on busier and unfamiliar roads over the period, which increases the risk of accidents.
While police numbers will be boosted over this period, motorists are reminded of their responsibility to keep themselves and other road-users safe by ensuring they are not fatigued, distracted, speeding or affected by drugs and that their car is roadworthy.
Booze and drug buses will be operating across the state, while Highway Patrol members will also be carrying out drug testing after the Andrews Labor Government provided ongoing funding for police to deliver 100,000 roadside drug tests every year.
The Transport Accident Commission has contributed funding for overtime hours and accommodation for police members over the Easter period. A record $1.1 billion in funding for the Towards Zero road safety strategy has been invested, to deliver safer roads and protect Victorian motorists.
Motorists are also reminded that children will be returning from school holidays after the Easter long weekend, with 40km/h school zones to be enforced from Tuesday, 18 April.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“The holiday period is a time to spend with family and friends. We want to make sure every driver makes it to their destination – and their loved ones – safely.”
“The Operation Nexus campaign means police will be out in force, targeting the most common causes of death and injury on our roads.”
“But it’s not just up to police - every single driver is responsible for keeping our roads safe. That includes making sure they’re not distracted, speeding or affected by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020