Victoria Police is boosting its presence on the roads over the Christmas and New Year period, with motorists urged to slow down and get to their celebrations safely.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville today joined Victoria Police to launch the 24-day Operation Roadwise campaign and remember the 200 lives already lost this year.
The names and ages of those who have died have been inscribed on baubles and placed on the Victoria Police lives lost Christmas tree.
This is a timely reminder to Victorians that there are real people behind the statistics and road trauma can happen to anyone.
From midnight tonight, police will be out in force targeting dangerous driving, drug and drink driving, and irresponsible behaviour on our roads. Victorians can expect a highly visible police presence at popular destinations across metropolitan and regional areas.
Police will use their new smaller alcohol and drug test buses, funded by the Andrews Labor Government, to target those travelling to and from celebrations in suburban streets and rat runs.
Highway patrol police will also be carrying out drug testing as part of the Labor Government’s $26 million investment to deliver 150,000 roadside drug tests every year.
All road users will be targeted, including heavy vehicles, light trucks, cars, motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Drivers are encouraged to reduce their own risks on the road by ensuring their vehicle is roadworthy, practising stop-revive-survive strategies, staying off their mobile phones and being alert on unfamiliar roads.
The Labor Government has invested a record $1.4 billion in funding for the Towards Zero road safety strategy to deliver safer roads and protect Victorian motorists. As part of the $2 billion police investment, the Labor Government is also expanding Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology across the highway patrol fleet.
Operation Roadwise starts at 12.01am tomorrow and runs until just before midnight on Sunday, 6 January 2019.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville
“The festive season is not the time for motorists to get complacent. We want to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely, and returns home to their families and friends.”
“Our police officers do an incredible job keeping Victorians safe on the roads, but planning ahead is key. If you’re going to drink, know how you’re going to get home. If you’re going on a long road trip, know where and when you’re going to stop along the way.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020