Victoria Police is launching a major road safety operation for the King’s Birthday long weekend.
This four-day Road Policing Enforcement Campaign, Operation Regal, will run from Friday 6 June to Monday 10 June. It aims to increase driver awareness and journey planning, while reducing road trauma during this high risk time on our roads.
Police will target high risk driving that has been identified as the main causes of lives lost and serious injuries in crashes, including:
• Excessive speed
• Driver distraction
• Vulnerable Road Users (cyclists, solos and pedestrians)
• Restraint and seat belt non-compliance
• Fatigue
• Impaired driving (alcohol and/or drug)
“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 said the operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police Service Areas during the four days, using all available personnel..
Speedsters and other drivers flouting the road rules have been put on notice ahead of this extra-long weekend’s road policing blitz.
“The King’s Birthday holiday period 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 he says. These times are of highest risk when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home,“ he said.
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.
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.
Speed Cameras will be rostered in known high collision locations.
Fatigue is one of the major causes of loss of lives on Victorian roads according to Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson. 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 on 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 must deal with these tragedies daily, and the police who must deliver the devastating news to loved ones.
All the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council Chairman 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 the work of his group along with initiatives like Operation Regal would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes.
Road safety is not everyone else’s responsibility. It is yours!
He asked the community to report speeding drivers to Crime stoppers number 1800 333 000
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 drinking and driving is just not worth endangering your life or the lives of other road users.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your King’s Birthday long weekend.
