Operation Roadwise

Police are pleading with motorists to take extra care on the roads during the high-risk Christmas period as Operation Roadwise commences.

The statewide road policing operation, which kicks off on Friday, comes as the number of lives lost this year surges to 279, surpassing the 241 total for all of last year.

It’s the highest number of lives for the period in 15 years.

This year’s operation is running for an extra six days to cover the busy New Year period with police providing highly visible enforcement on major arterial roads and highways.

Alcohol and drug testing will be a focus, with police intelligence showing there is an increase in the number of drivers recording low-range drink driving readings (0.05 – 0.069 BAC) in December.

Detections are around 4 per cent higher than the typical monthly average.

Police say the increase in low-range drink driving detections is likely due to drivers miscalculating their alcohol intake, suggesting many are prepared to risk having a few drinks at end-of-year social functions before getting behind the wheel.

Last year, police detected 511 drink driving offences from 201,091 preliminary breath tests and a further 375 drug driving offences from 5122 roadside drug tests.

With Operation Roadwise extended to 18 days this year, police are anticipating thousands more motorists will undergo roadside alcohol and drug testing.

Motorists are being urged to separate drinking and driving by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or arranging alternative transport.

Operation Roadwise will also see police ramp up enforcement around coastal areas and popular holiday hotspots across regional Victoria.

With Boxing Day one of the busiest days for travel across the state, police are urging those hitting the roads to be patient, avoid distractions and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.

A number of roads around Melbourne will be impacted by construction works throughout December and January, and police will be on the lookout for motorists who do not travel at reduced speed limits.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir, said the last place you want to end up on Christmas is a hospital – or worse.

“December is particularly high-risk on our roads – we tend to see an increase in social functions and events that increases the likelihood of impaired driving, as well as increased traffic as people head away to regional areas. That’s why this year we’ve extended Operation Roadwise to run until 1 January to ensure we have maximum police presence over this busy period,” he said.

“We will be focusing heavily on impaired drivers, so expect to be tested, and be prepared to face the consequences if you’re caught over the limit.”

To avoid a costly Christmas, police are pleading with motorists to obey the road rules with some of the common penalties including:

• Speeding by more than 10m/h but less than 15km/h – $385 and three demerit points;
• Failing to wear a seatbelt – $385 and three demerit points;
• Failing to obey traffic light – $481 and three demerit points;
• Using mobile phone or device while driving – $577 and four demerit points; BS
• Drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle with blood alcohol limit between 0.05 and 0.069 (fully licenced and/or over 26 years of age) – $577 and three-month licence suspension or six-month licence suspension if under 26-years of age.

Operation Roadwise commences at 12:01am on Friday 15 December 2023, and concludes at 23:59pm on Monday 1 January 2024.

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.