In what Victoria Police have described as a horror period on Victorian roads, July has seen many fatal road accidents bringing the total lives lost to 158 this year.
Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah local government areas have lost eight lives in this last month, three pedestrians, two drivers, one motorcyclist and one cyclist.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said in a statement to the media on 11 July that it’s been a horrific period on our roads.
“We’re issuing an urgent plea to all motorists to please, take extra care on the roads. Now is not the time to be complacent – this should absolutely be cause for concern for everyone,” he said.
There have now been 14 lives lost in the first 11 days of July and it marks the worst start to July since 2008, when 14 lives were lost across the state in the first 11 days of that month.
Motorcycle accidents are of particular concern – with 38 riders losing their lives in the 2023-24 period which is up from 21 people the year before.
According to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) among adult men, those aged 19–24 were most likely to be hospitalised for transport injuries.
For motorcycle riders, the injury rate was highest in men aged 19 to 24 (close to 200 injuries per 100,000) and decreased with age.
While factors in these recent collisions are still under investigation, police are urging everyone to take extra care on the roads.
Assistant Commissioner Weir said that far too often police are seeing simple mistakes, like being slightly over the speed limit, or a split second of inattention, resulting in these catastrophic outcomes.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can to drive down the rising trauma on our roads, but we can’t do this alone. Everyone has a responsibility on the roads,” he said.
Motorists should consider slowing down and maintaining a safe braking distance, especially during periods of wet weather when roads are often slippery.
Poor visibility due to reduced daylight hours during winter can make it more difficult to see and be seen, so pay extra attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions, like mobile phones, while driving.
Avoid driving fatigued by taking regular breaks when travelling longer distances, and never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Police are determined to drive down the rising road trauma and will prioritise road policing enforcement across the state throughout the month.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
