Vehicle safety was the topic of conversation for Cobram Highway Patrol, as Operation Unsafe hit the roads to ensure the communities vehicles were up to scratch.
After the last two fatal collisions in the Moira Shire had some type of causal factor back to the condition of the car, the highway patrol decided enough was enough and an operation targeting vehicle safety was required.
Leading Senior Constable David Cowley said that when comparing the months of December, January, and February to the year before, the number of vehicle defect infringements were up 117 per cent.
“While some people have a negative attitude towards police issuing defect notices, it is important to reflect on why those notices are being issued to begin with,” LSC Cowley said.
“Having your vehicle in a safe, working condition could mean the difference between surviving a serious collision or not.”
The operation took place on 16 and 23 April, spanning across Goulburn Valley Highway Koonoomoo, Murray Valley Highway Yarrawonga and the Benalla Tocumwal Road Katamatite.
Just one of the intercepts saw a 25-year-old male truck driver from Yarrawonga detected for driving while suspended, under the influence of drugs, not having his load secured, no p-plates and incorrect an licence address. This offence took place in Yarrawonga.
Leading Senior Constable David Cowley said that seeing this type of behaviour is disappointing.
“We are constantly reminding the community of their responsibilities when it comes to road safety, but unfortunately the message isn’t getting through,” LSC Cowley said.
“Road trauma has a devastating impact on the community and we want everyone to be doing what they can to prevent it.”
When reviewing the vehicles of the last two fatal collisions LSC Cowley said that the tyres, brakes or steering components were not up to scratch.
“Basic vehicle checks are quite easy to do. We encourage people to regularly check their lights, tyre pressure and windscreens,” LSC Cowley said.
“It is also really important to ensure loads are properly secured.”
Of the 61 vehicles checked, 40 defect notices were issued as well as 22 penalty notices. Results for the operation included:
• 4 drug drivers
• 7 speeding offences
• 1 disqualified/suspended drivers
• 2 unregistered vehicles
• 1 disobey signs/signals
• 2 unsafe vehicles
• 3 unsafe vehicles with a combination of trailer and vehicle
• 2 exceeding mass and dimension offences
