Liam McNally
A police operation across the long weekend will focus on motorcyclists as they aim to prevent motorcycle deaths.
Operation Scoreboard is a statewide road policing effort to coincide with the AFL Grand Final long weekend and the National Day of Mourning public holiday.
Police across the state will target speeding and distracted drivers heading out to regional areas on high-risk rural roads and highways, as well as drink and drug driving across the state.
It comes as Victoria has recorded 178 road deaths this year, well above the five-year average of 166.
The rising number of motorcyclist deaths is of particular concern to police.
There have been 38 fatalities, trending well above the five-year average of 27.
Speed has been cited as a factor in at least 20 motorcyclist fatalities this year, with half of the deceased riders under the age of 35.
Police will use automatic number plate recognition technology to detect unauthorised motorists, with almost half of deceased motorcyclists either unlicenced, suspended or disqualified from riding a motorcycle.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said more motorcycles on Victorian roads has led to an increase in motorcycle trauma in 2022.
“Please take extra care as you travel across the state over the weekend. We’ve seen far too many tragic, yet completely avoidable fatal collisions this year,” he said.
