By Derek Schlennstedt
Victoria Police will be out in force over the festive season as part of a 24-day blitz to take dangerous, impaired and irresponsible drivers off our roads.
Last year, 14 people lost their lives on the roads over the 24-day period of Operation Roadwise.
Another 233 people were seriously injured and 758 others received minor injuries.
Over the last five years, 59 people have been killed and over 1500 people seriously injured on the roads during this period.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer urged drivers to take care when travelling.
“We can’t accept that it is only a matter of time before another life is lost on our roads, because if this is the case, I ask for you to choose who it will be from your family,” he said.
“Everyone will say it can’t be someone from their own family, but sadly it will be.
“If we look at the figures for the last five years, from today until the end of this year, another 10 people will lose their lives before the New Year.
“Please don’t accept this, think about your choices; when behind the wheel or handlebars of a bike or when walking down the street and what the ultimate consequence could be.
“Drive to survive, because there is no one someone won’t miss.”
The statewide operation will be conducted throughout the high-risk summer period, and will focus on reducing road trauma and improving road user behaviour.
Motorists can expect to see increased enforcement throughout the state.
High priority police service areas (PSAs) identified for Roadwise include the Casey, Greater Dandenong, Yarra Ranges and Benalla regions.
The campaign will run until 11.59pm, Sunday 7 January 2018.
