Despite the tragic start to the year on Victorian roads more than 8768 traffic offences were recorded by Victoria Police during Operation Arid this Labour Day long weekend.
Two hundred and seventy five drug test offences were recorded. This is on top of 238 offences being recorded for drink driving.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said that each year during Operation Arid the issue of drug driving is becoming more prevalent.
“A prime example of this was over the weekend near a music festival in Meredith,” Assistant Commissioner Leane said.
“In a four-hour window the state highway patrol conducted 56 tests, and 20 of these came back positive for methamphetamine or MDMA. This is just not acceptable.”
Mobile phones appeared problematic with 20 per cent more people caught using their phone behind the wheel compared to last year.
“It is disappointing to see motorists continue to commit offences which are known common causes for road trauma.”
Sadly two lives were lost on the roads during the operation.
“Any life lost is one too many and two people did not make it home to their family.
“Even though the operation is over, we urge drivers to stay safe and drive to the conditions on our roads.
“With a tragic start to the year, we cannot afford to lose any more lives.”
As part of Operation Arid, police detected the following:
• 238 drink drivers
• 275 drug drivers
• 179 disqualified/suspended drivers
• 230 unlicensed drivers
• 3209 speeding offences
• 468 disobey signs/signals
• 281 seatbelt offences
• 528 mobile phone offences
• 815 unregistered vehicle
• 117 impoundment.
