Operation Nexus is a state-wide Road Policing Operation over the Easter holiday period. It aims to increase driver awareness and journey planning, while reducing road trauma during this high risk time on our roads.
This 5-day Road Policing Enforcement Campaign will run from Thursday 28 March to Monday 1 April 2024.
Road Policing Advisor Acting Senior Sergeant Kristy Briffa of 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.
Acting Senior Sergeant Briffa said the Easter 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. The times of highest risk are when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home.
Police will be targeting the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries in crashes which are:
• Excessive speed
• Driver distraction and vulnerable road users (cyclists, solos and pedestrians)
• Restraint and seatbelt non-compliance
• Fatigue
• Impaired driving (alcohol and/or drug)
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 Acting Senior Sergeant Briffa said. Drivers are requested to plan their trip, be patient and ensure that you take at least a 15 minutes 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 have to deal with these tragedies on a daily basis, and the police who have to deliver the devastating news to loved ones.
All of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.
Remember, travel safely so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Easter Holiday weekend
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 Nexus during the 2024 Easter Holiday period would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes.
He asked the community to report speeding drivers to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
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 life or then lives of other road users.
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.
