Drive safely over the holidays

THE summer period usually sees a large influx of visitors to Geelong and the Surf Coast due to its location and events calendar.

But this also means roads will be busy with road users such as vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.

Victoria Police want to make sure motorists are paying attention and watching their speed, especially in high-pedestrian and cyclist areas.

It’s up to everyone to share the roads safely. Over the summer months, police will maintain a strong focus on all aspects of road safety to ensure all users get to their destination safely.

Speed continues to be the leading contributing factor to road trauma, contributing to 30 per cent of fatalities and a quarter of serious injuries each year.

Getting there faster does not mean getting there safer. Drivers should never prioritise shaving a couple of minutes off a journey over losing a life or causing a life-changing injury.

Speeding between 10kmh and 25kmh over the limit attracts a $407 fine and three demerit points. Anyone caught going even faster faces steeper fines and will have their licence automatically suspended for between three and 12 months.

Drink driving is one of the biggest killers on Victoria’s roads. About a quarter of all fatal crashes involve a driver or rider over the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.05.

The Victoria Police booze bus fleet is frequently testing drivers across the state. Every police car can also conduct alcohol testing.

Driving under the influence of alcohol affects perception, vision, concentration, reaction time and causes drowsiness – all of which increase the chance of having a crash.

First-time drink drivers will receive a $611 fine and be disqualified from driving for three months even for low level offending.

The penalties are more serious for learner drivers, P-platers and full licence holders aged under 26 who face being disqualified from driving for at least six months.

If you’re planning to drink, think about how you’ll get home safely without driving. Leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver, and utilise alternative transport.

Drugs cause more deaths on Victoria’s roads than alcohol. Testing is targeted but drivers should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime including in booze buses and highway patrol vehicles.

Too often police see drivers scrolling through a phone on their lap, texting, or even watching videos when their eyes should be on the road.

New road rules were introduced in March 2023 to regulate the use of portable devices including mobile phones and tablets. The rules also cover wearable devices like smartwatches and inbuilt infotainment and navigation devices.

It’s up to every motorist to know the rules and adhere to them. Using a mobile phone or electronic device while driving attracts a $611 and four demerit points.

The penalty is significant for a reason – distraction is a major contributing factor to road trauma.

Wearing a seatbelt is the simplest thing motorists can do to save their life in a collision. Correctly worn seatbelts reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by 50 per cent.

Failing to wear a properly fastened and adjusted seatbelt attracts a $407 fine and three demerit points. You can also be fined if your passengers aren’t wearing a seatbelt.

Motorcyclists are considered one of the most vulnerable road users. Compared with drivers, motorcyclists are at least 30 times more likely to die or be injured in a crash.

It is imperative motorcyclists keep themselves safe by riding to the conditions, using a bike that suits their experience and skillset, and always using the right protective gear when riding.

Driving tired also has a major impact on road accidents. When you drive on less than five hours sleep, you’re four times more likely to crash.

Studies show someone who has been awake for 17 hours has the same risk of a collision as someone with an alcohol reading of 0.05.

Fatigue is something that is very hard to police – that is why Victoria Police is calling on the community to be aware.

Take a 15-minute break at least every two hours and where possible share the driving.

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