A statewide road policing activity called Operation Furlong 2024 will be conducted over the Melbourne Cup long weekend from Friday November 1 to Tuesday November 5.
This has been identified as a period of potentially high risk in terms of exposure to road trauma to the Victorian community.
Focus on Road Safety
Operation Furlong 2024 aims to increase driver awareness and encourage responsible driving to reduce the exposure to road trauma on road users during this time of increasing road use. Police will target high risk driving that has been identified as the main causes of lives lost and serious injuries in crashes, including:
• Speeding
• Distracted driving, especially involving mobile phones
• Not wearing a seatbelt along with restraint compliance
• Driving while fatigued
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (impaired driving)
“We’ll be out in force to educate drivers and enforce the rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries” said Road Policing Advisor Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson.
“Our goal is to prevent tragedies and keep everyone safe.“
Senior Sergeant Pearson from Westgate Highway Patrol said the operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police Service Areas during the five days, using all available personnel from local road policing units, general duties and other regional resources. Police will be out in force both to educate drivers and to enforce road rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries.
The extra-long weekend provides an opportunity for families to free themselves from their usual commitments and it is anticipated that large numbers of people will use Victorian roads, often driving long distances in unfamiliar driving conditions. The times of highest risk are when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home.
We’re watching your speed. Are you?
Motorists are requested to stay within the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, wear your seatbelt and make sure you are well rested.
Fatigue is one of the biggest killers and is a major cause of the loss of life on Victorian roads. Drivers are requested to plan their trip, be patient and ensure that you take at least a 15-minute break at least every two hours and don’t drive if you are tired.
Drivers planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in vehicles travelling on our major Freeways and Highways throughout the State.
Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on the community, from the family members, to the emergency services workers who have to deal with these tragedies on a daily basis, to the police who have to deliver the devastating news to loved ones.
All the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.
Community Effort
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Mr Jim Giddings said it has been demonstrated time after time that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes. Therefore stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions you face.
Speeding affects both the risk of a crash happening and the severity of injuries sustained when a crash does happen.
Mr Giddings said to make sure you’re not putting yourself or others at risk on the roads, put your phone away where you can’t be tempted to use it, for example in the glove box or in the boot to avoid being distracted. He also said the work of his group along with initiatives like the Operation Furlong during the 2024 Melbourne Cup long weekend would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes on our roads.
He asked the community to report speeding drivers to Crime stoppers number 1800 333 000.
Plan Your Trip, Stay Safe
Here are some key tips for a safe long weekend:
• Plan your trip: Check traffic conditions and plan rest stops to avoid fatigue.
• Stick to the speed limit: Every km/h over the limit increases your crash risk.
• Don’t drink and drive: If you plan to drink, arrange alternative transport.
• Put down your phone: Distracted driving is dangerous.
• Wear your seatbelt: It’s the law and could save your life.
• Get enough sleep: Fatigue impairs your driving ability.
• Check your vehicle: Ensure tyres, brakes, lights, and windscreen washers are in good condition.
Holiday driving has its challenges and drivers should drive in the hours they are normally awake, take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and allow extra space between vehicles. Drivers need to adapt to the conditions of the road. The onus is always on the driver to suit the conditions they are facing, and that includes the quality of the road.
If you plan to have a drink then plan not to drive, taking a big risk like drink and driving is just not worth endangering your live or the lives of other road users.
Before embarking on any driving trips drivers should check their tyres, windscreen washers, brakes and lights.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Melbourne Cup holiday weekend.
