Victoria Police will be out in force over the festive season as part of a 24-day blitz to take dangerous, impaired and irresponsible drivers off our roads.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan today joined Victoria Police to launch Operation Roadwise, a massive campaign targeting drivers who are drug and alcohol affected, speeding, driving dangerously, on their phones or distracted.
Holidaymakers will also see a highly visible police presence on the roads to encourage positive behaviour behind the wheel.
Drivers are being urged to reduce their own risks on the road by practising stop revive survive strategies, staying off their mobile phone and being aware on unfamiliar roads.
Since 1 January, 237 people have lost their lives on our roads, with the main factors being speeding and impaired driving caused by alcohol, drugs and fatigue.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $1 billion to deliver safer roads across Victoria as part of the Towards Zero road safety strategy.
As part of the Labor Government’s historic $2 billion police investment, Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology is being expanded across the highway patrol fleet, giving police the edge to identify unlicensed drivers, unregistered vehicles and crack down on dangerous and unauthorised drivers.
Operation Roadwise starts at 12.01am on Friday 15 December and runs until 11.59pm on Sunday 7 January 2018.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
“We want all Victorians to make good choices before they get behind the wheel and when they’re on the roads this Christmas – the best gift we can give our loved ones is just to be there.”
“Slowing down and sticking to the speed limit can be the difference between life and death. It really is that simple.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020