Victoria Police has issued a critical road safety alert as the state enters an especially high-risk period for death and serious injury.
Eleven lives were lost in 11 days at the same time last year and police are concerned about a repeat, especially as traffic volumes increase towards the end of the year and wild spring weather continues to cause hazardous driving conditions.
The alert comes as the state recorded ten lives lost on Victorian roads this month, bringing the total lives lost to 222 – 24 higher than the same time last year, and significantly up on the five-year average.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing Justin Goldsmith said given the deaths on Victorian roads last year, now is not the time to be complacent when driving.
“Unfortunately, it was distraction and basic road user errors during this period last year that resulted in the most fatalities, which just shows that a simple lapse in concentration can have catastrophic consequences,” he said.
“Slowing down, remaining alert and being extra cautious during periods of wild weather are simple, but ultimately life-saving measures that all motorists can take to protect themselves and other road users.”
Poor compliance with common road rules, such as failing to give way and failing to keep left were contributing factors to fatal collisions during the 22 November to 2 December period.
More than half of the collisions occurred on regional roads, and older drivers were over-represented, with one third of collisions involving a driver aged over 65.
Police are determined to avoid a repeat of these concerning road trauma trends and are urging motorists to take extra care, with December considered one of the highest-risk periods on Victorian roads for collisions.
“Police will be doing everything they can to reduce road trauma during this high-risk period, but we need everyone to do their bit,” acting A/C Goldsmith said.
Victoria Police will increase its enforcement efforts and remain highly visible on roads throughout December, with a statewide road policing operation to come into effect prior to Christmas.
Police will increase its focus on alcohol and drug testing and are warning all motorists to plan ahead when attending social events during the festive period.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
