Police have caught 59 drivers for a range of driving offences during a major policing operation targeting dangerous and reckless drivers travelling on major highways between Victoria and South Australia.
Operation United, which was conducted on Thursday and Friday last week, saw police intercept hundreds of vehicles.
The operation involved numerous roving police patrols and roadside checkpoints on the Western and Princess Highways and country backroads, across Warrnambool and Horsham areas.
37 drivers were caught speeding, with 31 caught travelling between 10kmph and 25kmph over the speed limit.
Highway Patrol and general duties police breath tested over 900 drivers. Only one driver was caught with an alleged blood alcohol reading (BAC) over 0.05% while another was caught driving while allegedly drug impaired.
Three drivers were caught not wearing a seatbelt, and two people were caught driving while using their mobile phone.
Police intelligence shows speed and driver distraction has been a major contributor to serious injury collisions on regional roads this year.
Police will continue to have a major focus on drink and drug driving over the remainder of the year, with a state-wide road policing operation to be launched in December.
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.
Quotes attributable to Horsham Superintendent Sharon McCrory:
“We’ve lost more people on Victorian roads this year than any stage over the past 15 years. A significant number of lives lost have occurred our roads in regional Victoria.
“This operation demonstrates our united commitment to reducing road trauma by enforcing driving laws and holding those accountable who engage in dangerous behaviour.
“The reality is that no one is exempt from the potential dangers of road trauma – it can impact anyone, and it is vital that we all recognise this fact.
“Speeding is never justified, and the temptation to rush to your destination should never outweigh the value of a human life.
“Be aware that we will continue to conduct alcohol and drug testing at every available opportunity, meaning that if you are impaired behind the wheel, we may be just around the corner.”
Quotes attributable to Warrnambool Superintendent Melissa Webbers:
“Throughout Operation United, police officers actively engaged with drivers, not only enforcing the law but also taking the opportunity to educate them about safe driving practices.
“Our intel shows that most collisions on regional roads are being caused by minor forms of non-compliance – meaning that simple mistakes behind the wheel are leading to catastrophic consequences.
“Some of the factors include people not wearing seatbelts, travelling at high or inappropriate speed or failing to stop at red lights or give way at intersections.
“Police will be doing everything we can to stop the extremely high levels of trauma we’re experiencing, but we can’t do it alone.
“Let’s all get back to basics and focus on the key behaviours that will keep us safe when driving – slow down, put down the mobile phone, and pay attention to road signs, other road users and your surroundings.
“To anyone who doesn’t use this as an opportunity to rethink their own behaviour I ask – if not now, when?”
