ALL have been urged to prioritise road safety and secure their homes over the summer holidays, particularly heading into the Christmas and New Year period where the risk increases.

A statewide road policing operation, Operation Roadwise, launched December 13, will run for an extended 20-day period and will see police highly visible across the state’s major roads and arterials.

There will be a significant focus on impaired driving with police conducting widespread alcohol and drug testing every day throughout the operation.

Police conducted more than 300,000 preliminary breath tests and almost 9000 roadside drug tests during last year’s Operation Roadwise.

Data shows December is the worst month of the year for drink drive offending, recording the highest number of drink driving detections and most collisions where the driver was over the blood alcohol limit.

Motorists are being warned they should expect to be tested anywhere, any time and to separate drinking and driving by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or using alternative transport.

Operation Roadwise will see police highly visible on roads around coastal areas and popular holiday hotspots across regional Victoria.

With Boxing Day one of the busiest days for travel across the state, police have urged those hitting the roads to be patient, avoid distractions and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.

To avoid receiving an infringement and having a costly Christmas, motorists are advised to obey the road rules and stick to the speed limits.

RACV has recommended packing an emergency roadside kit, checking your car insurance and emergency roadside assistance plan and doing a car safety checklist.

“It’s also important to check the Fire Danger Rating on the VicEmergency app for both your destination and the route you’re travelling on and follow advice from VicEmergency – for example, grassfires can move at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour, jump highways and be a very serious threat to motorists,” RACV head of policy, James Williams said.

RACV also encouraged Victorians to think about how they can keep their home safe while they are away, including keeping valuables locked away and out of sight.

“Get to know your neighbours and tell them about your travel plans, so they can keep an eye out for you and communicate any suspicious behaviour to police,” Mr Williams said.

Police issued more than 19,000 traffic infringements during last year’s Operation Roadwise including 7631 speeding offences.

There were 17 lives lost on Victorian roads last year between December 15 and January 1.

Safe Work Australia’s preliminary fatalities data showed the Transport, postal and warehousing industry had the highest number of worker deaths of any industry in 2024, with 44 people having lost their lives.

“It’s important to remember roads are workplaces too,” the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) Chair, Cameron Montgomery, said.

“December is a peak season for transport workers, who help to ensure shelves remain stocked with food for the Christmas table, medicines, and other retail goods, while also delivering those last-minute Christmas gifts.

“We ask everyone on the roads this Christmas to take their time, be patient, and be courteous to those on holidays and those trying to do their job.

“Everyone has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

There have been 273 lives lost on Victoria roads to date, which is slightly below 276 at the same time last year.

Hamilton Highway Patrol Unit Commander, Sergeant Darren Smart said the entire Southern Grampians Shire area will see an increase in traffic over the Christmas and New Year period.

“Traditionally, speeding is the most common offence detected by Police within the Southern Grampians Shire,” he said.

“Drivers are often travelling longer distances than they are used to so fatigue is also a big issue.”

Sgt Smart also said all drivers are urged to obey speed limits, drive to the conditions of the weather and roads, take breaks to avoid fatigue related issues, avoid driving at all when impaired by alcohol or drugs and ensure their car/motorcycle/caravan/trailer was well maintained and in a roadworthy condition.

“Lastly, enjoy the Christmas and New Year period and the school holidays, but play your part in reducing road trauma,” he said.

Operation Roadwise commenced at 12.01am on Friday, December 13, 2024, and will conclude at 11.59pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

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.