TRAGEDY struck early Thursday morning when a local 24-year-old man died after being involved in a single-vehicle accident in Moutajup on Mill Road.

It’s believed the Holden Commodore Sedan was travelling on Mill Road before coming off the road and crashing down an embankment just before 5.30am.

The local male driver who sadly died at the scene was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said they were called to Moutajup just before 5.55am on the morning of the accident.

Hamilton Highway Patrol sergeant, Darren Smart, said the exact cause of the accident was unknown and he was “saddened by the collision”.

“Investigations are continuing as to the cause of the collision at the moment,” he said.

“The next of kin has been notified but unfortunately it is a local person.

“We just ask that anyone who may have any CCTV or dashcam footage, or who may have seen a vehicle in that area between Hamilton and Dunkeld to give us a call at Hamilton Highway Patrol - and if they want to remain anonymous they can contact Crime Stoppers.”

The accident occurred during Operation Amity, a five-day state-wide road blitz running over the Australia Day holiday period starting on Wednesday and concluding 11.59pm tomorrow.

During Operation Amity, Victoria Police have been focusing on unauthorised driving and reducing road trauma through targeting speeding motorists and conducting widespread alcohol and drug testing.

With all Victoria Police highway patrol vehicles fitted with automatic number plate recognition technology (ANPR) - as well as additional police vehicles in regional and specialist areas as part of an ongoing trial - police are better equipped to detect and remove drivers and motorcyclists who are unlicensed, suspended and disqualified.

Over the unofficial long weekend, police are focusing on major arterials, coastal holiday hotspots, and travel on rural roads, with Sgt Smart saying locals will notice an increased police presence.

“There will be an increase in alcohol and drug testing, a lot of police cars out on the road performing radar duties and general intercepts to make sure everyone is travelling safely,” he said.

“We’ll be out there and if people are doing the wrong thing they will be caught, and they’ll be lucky if they get caught.

“Hopefully people will be able to get where they’re going safely.”

According to Victoria Police, so far this year 26 lives have been lost on Victorian roads - an increase of over 36 per cent from this time last year and almost double the five-year average (14 lives lost).

With three quarters of fatalities this year occurring on rural roads, Sgt Smart said this recent incident should act as a reminder for all road users to take extra measures to travel safely.

“Please, we’re not saying this person has done anything wrong but if everyone could take extra care when on the roads and make sure they’re doing the right thing,” he said. 

“It’s a stark reminder that obviously there’s going to be a very upset family and you’ve got all the emergency responders who have to attend these terrible events as well.

“If people can do everything they can to get where they’re going safely, we would appreciate it.”

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au