Ahead of the Labor Long Weekend, fresh data shows that a concerning number of motorists were killed in single-car crashes this year.
Police are warning of the dangers of excessive speed and fatigue ahead of the public holiday.
As Victoria Police launches Operation Arid, force data shows 20 people have died in single car collisions on rural roads this year. It represents around 40% of the 52 deaths recorded across the entire state.
Excessive speed and fatigue have been the most common factors leading to drivers veering off the road.
These factors are a major focus for police as part of Operation Arid, which launches today, running to midnight Monday 11 March.
From Ballarat to Bairnsdale, Stawell to Orbost, and Bendigo police will be taking a zero-tolerance stance to excessive speeding on our roads.
State and local highway patrols will also be out in force with drug and booze buses with a significant police presence planned around several music festivals.
Victoria Police is uniting with the Transport Accident Commission ahead of the long weekend, to launch a new awareness campaign reminding motorists officers can be out anywhere, anytime.
While motorists will see a highly visible police presence, there will also be a large number of unmarked police cars patrolling both metro and rural roads.
Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner, John Fitzpatrick, says the numbers are extremely concerning.
“That’s why we are focussing on speed and reminding drivers to take breaks this long weekend,” Commissioner Fitzpatrick says.
“Operation Arid will see marked and unmarked patrol cars on the roads, along with a fleet of Alcohol and Drug Testing vehicles.
“There will also be a major police presence around music festivals and events taking place this weekend, so expect to be tested for alcohol and drugs.
“We could be anywhere, anytime this weekend. After a horrid 2023, it’s up to all of us to ensure we don’t see a repeat this year.”
The number of lives lost on Victoria’s roads this year stands at 52 compared with 63 at the same time last year.
Historically March has the highest volume of road trauma in both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Operation Arid will run statewide from Friday 8 March to Monday 11 March 2024.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
