VICTORIA Police are warning Victorians of the dangers of excessive speed and fatigue this long weekend as new analysis shows a concerning number of motorists killed in single vehicle collisions.

As Victoria Police launches Operation Arid, force data shows 20 people have died in single vehicle collisions on rural roads this year.

It represents around 40 per cent of the 52 deaths recorded across the entire state in 2024.

Excessive speed and fatigue have been the most common factors leading to drivers veering off the road.

These factors are a major focus for police as part of Operation Arid which launces today, running to 12am Monday, March 11.

From Ballarat to Bairnsdale, Stawell to Orbost and Warrnambool to Wodonga police will be taking a zero tolerance stand on our roads.

State and local highway patrols will be out in force along with drug and booze buses with a significant police presence planned around several music festivals.

While motorists will see a highly visible police presence, there will also be a large number of unmarked police cars patrolling both metro and rural roads.

The number of lives lost on Victoria’s roads this year stands at 52 compared with 63 at the same time last year.

Historically March has the highest volume of road trauma in both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Operation Arid will run state-wide from 12.00am Friday,  March 8 - 11.15pm Monday, March 11, 2024.

Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner John Fitzpatrick said, “We could be anywhere, anytime this weekend”.

“After a horrid 2023 it’s up to all of us to ensure we don’t see a repeat this year.”

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

The State Government and Transport Accident Commission have also urged Victorians to stay safe through a new road safety campaign.

Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne today kicked off the campaign ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone’, which drives home the message to stay vigilant while behind the wheel.

The campaign serves as a reminder that too many road accidents are preventable, encouraging drivers to steer clear of speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt negligence or distractions from mobile phones.

Authorities have urged drivers to exercise particular care this weekend by slowing down, planning ahead, taking breaks on road trips, and making responsible choices.

The new campaign will run across a range of platforms, reminding Victorians that police are out to keep our roads safe every day of the year – ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone’. 

 “We want this Labour Day weekend to be one to remember for the right reasons, which is why we’re urging Victorians to stay vigilant behind the wheel,” Ms Horne said.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said that as always, policing on the roads will be taken seriously to help keep Victorians safe.

“Too many lives have been lost due to distracted driving and those who continue to endanger others on the road will be caught and held accountable,” he said.