Driving down road trauma this Christmas

Police will be doing their best to reduce road trauma during the high-risk Christmas period, with Operation Roadwise commencing this month.

The state-wide road policing operation, which kicked off last Friday, comes as the number of lives lost in Victoria reaches 236, already surpassing last year’s total of 234 and sitting well above the five-year average of 221.

Over a 12-day period, police will provide highly visible enforcement on Victoria’s major arterial roads and highways in an effort to reduce road trauma and detect dangerous drivers before someone is hurt.

Police intelligence shows there is an increased risk of impaired driving associated with end-of-year work and social functions, with vulnerable road users like pedestrians also deemed at risk, particularly around busy shopping centre precincts.

Station Commander at the Bacchus Marsh Police Station, Senior Sergeant Jennifer Horgan, urged drivers to “make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel” over the Christmas period.

“We know the festive season is a time of celebration, which is likely to result in alcohol and drug consumption. We don’t want to see anyone getting behind the wheel if they are impaired,” Senior Sergeant Horgan said.

“Our fleet of Alcohol and Drug Testing vehicles will be out conducting alcohol and drug testing at every opportunity. We hope you enjoy this time of celebration, and it is memorable for the right reasons.”

Last year almost 130,000 Victorian motorists were tested for alcohol and drugs during Operation Roadwise, with police anticipating the increase to a 12-day operation this year from 10 days last year will likely see even more motorists undergoing tests.

With 40 per cent of last year’s Operation Roadwise infringements issued for speeding, police are reminding motorists to keep the foot off the accelerator to avoid a costly Christmas – the penalty for speeding by more than 10km/h but less than 15km/h is $370 and three demerit points, with those exceeding the speed limit by more than 25km/h facing even more significant penalties and a suspended licence.

Mobile phone use continues to be a major contributor to road trauma, with 536 mobile phone infringements issued to drivers during last year’s operation. The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is $555 and four demerits.

Police are urging motorists not to ignore the warnings around road trauma, with 25 lives lost during December last year.

Police enforcement will continue throughout the New Year period, particularly in coastal locations and holiday hotspots.

Operation Roadwise commenced at 12:01 am on Friday 16 December and concludes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 27 December.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads during the festive period, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.