By Alesha Capone
Speeding, driver distraction and alcohol-affected motorists will be targeted in a roads operation across the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Sergeant Marty Wallace, from the Westgate Highway Patrol, said Operation Furlong would run from Friday, November 1 to Tuesday, November 5.
Sergeant Wallace said that police would be targeting the main causes of fatalities and serious injury crashes, including excessive speed, driver distraction, restraint non-compliance, fatigue and impaired driving (alcohol and/or drug-affected drivers).
“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/child restraints and make sure you are well-rested,” Sergeant Wallace said.
“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.”
Throughout the operation speed cameras will be placed in known high-collision locations.
“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,” Sergeant Wallace said.
“All of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.”
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings, said the group worked alongside police in the hope that initiatives such as Operation Furlong would reduce the number of serious road crashes on our roads.
“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,” Mr Giddings said.
“If you plan to have a drink then plan to not drive, taking a big risk like drinking and driving is just not worth endangering your live or that of other road users.”
