FATALITIES on rural roads have increased by 32 per cent so far this year, with the number of deaths jumping from 128 in 2022 to 169 this year.
Operation Roadwise kicked off on Friday and comes as the state’s number of lives lost this year surged to 287, surpassing the 233 total for all of last year.
Speed remains the number one cause of road trauma and fatalities and slowing down could be the difference between arriving alive and not arriving at all.
Hamilton Police were disappointed that they clocked an L-plater on Sunday riding their motorcycle just out of Bochara on the Glenelg Highway travelling at 142 kilometres per hour.
“It was an 18-year-old from the Hamilton district,” a Hamilton Police spokesperson said.
“He didn’t divulge why he was going that fast but obviously it’s incredibly disappointing that people are taking such unnecessary risks.”
The young rider is now facing a fine of $817 and a six-month licence suspension.
“That’s why Victoria Police are pleading with motorists to take extra care on the roads during the high-risk Christmas period as Operation Roadwise commences,” the Hamilton Police spokesperson said.
“We will be out in force.”
Alcohol and drug testing will be a focus, with police intelligence showing there is an increase in the number of drivers recording low-range drink driving readings (0.05 – 0.069 BAC) in December.
To avoid a costly Christmas, police are pleading with motorists to obey the road rules with some of the common penalties including:
• Speeding by more than 10km/h but less than 15km/h – $385 and three demerit points;
• Failing to wear a seatbelt – $385 and three demerit points;
• Using mobile phone or device while driving – $577 and four demerit points;
• Drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle with blood alcohol limit between 0.05 and 0.069 (fully licensed and/or over 26 years of age) – $577 and three-month licence suspension or six-month licence suspension if under 26-years of age.
Operation Roadwise concludes at 23.59pm on Monday, January 1, 2024.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads during the festive period visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
