Westgate Highway Patrol is calling on drivers to be on their royal best behaviour this long weekend as police flood the state’s freeways and major arterials.
Westgate Highway Patrol unit commander Keith Kissack said police would increase their presence on Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong roads during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend for the statewide Operation Regal, which will run from June 8-11.
The operation will target speeding, driver distraction, seatbelts, fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – the top five contributing factors to road trauma.
“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,” Senior Sergeant Kissack said.
“Road trauma isn’t just about the people who die – 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.”
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings added: “It has been demonstrated time after time that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes …stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions you face.”
Last year, 453 offences were detected across Wyndham during the Queen’s Birthday, including 136 speeding drivers, 25 unlicensed drivers, 5 drunk drivers and 13 disqualified or suspended drivers.
