WITH the increased risk of road deaths over the busy long weekend, drugs and alcohol will be a focus for police this Easter as they mount a statewide operation on the roads.

Victoria Police launched Operation Nexus to run from Thursday to Easter Monday, and has warned motorists that officers could be anywhere at any time.

Police intelligence has shown a recent spike in drivers getting behind the wheel when they’re drug or alcohol affected.

During a two-night police operation on the Monash Freeway in February, one in 95 drivers tested had drugs or illegal levels of alcohol in their system, with the average usually sitting at around one in 400.

Major arterials and roads leading to regional Victoria and holiday hotspots will be key areas of enforcement.

The effort will include marked and unmarked vehicles as well as the force’s booze and drug bus fleet.

In addition to impairment, speed, fatigue, distraction and seatbelt compliance will be in the sights of police.

Deaths on rural roads represent more than half of this year’s fatalities, and statewide 67 lives have been lost this year, with a total 13 lives that have been lost over Easter on Victorian roads in the last six years.

Operation Nexus runs from 12.01am on Thursday, March 28 to 11.59pm on Monday, April 1.

Road policing assistant commissioner, Glenn Weir said that the operation will be taken seriously by police to help keep the community safe on the roads.

“This operation will see police out in force across the state,” he said.

“That will include local highway patrol units, the State Highway Patrol, solo units and our drug and alcohol bus fleet.

“It’s also important to remember every police car is a booze bus and drivers can be breath tested at any time.

“We want everyone to survive this Easter and will be doing all we can to make sure that happens.”