Victoria Police have launched the 2015 Queen’s Birthday campaign, which is aimed at targeting the key contributing factors to road trauma over this long weekend.
The campaign will through to Monday, with police focusing on speed, alcohol and drug impairment, driver distraction, fatigue and seatbelts.
Motorists are expected to see an increased number of police personnel targeting Victoria’s major arterials.
Road policing adviser, Senior Sergeant Damien Madden said police will be patrolling in marked and unmarked vehicles.
“Extra resourcing is being provided to the area from the Operational Response Unit. Police will also be utilising Automated Number Plate Recognition units to detect and remove high-risk drivers from our roads.”
Victoria Police are urging drivers to plan their trip and ensure that they have frequent breaks when travelling over long distances.
Road trauma has a lasting impact on not only those involved but also the wider community.
Families, emergency service workers and police officers can have lasting psychological problems after witnessing a road trauma incident.
Statistics state that over the past five Queen’s Birthday long weekends rear-end collisions account for nearly one-third of all incidents. Inappropriate speed, distraction, alcohol and illicit drug use are also instigators, which can be easily avoided.
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings believes that the community as a whole needs to come together to reduce the incidence of road trauma.
“It has been demonstrated time after time that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes. Speeding affects both the risk of a crash happening and the severity of injuries sustained.”
The council initiatives such as the 2015 Queen’s Birthday holiday campaign aim to reduce the number of serious road crashes.
“If you plan to have a drink then plan not to drive. Taking a big risk like drink-driving is just not worth endangering your life and other road users,” Mr Giddings said.
Authorities have also stressed the importance for drivers to check their tyres, windscreen washers, brakes and lights before travelling.
Report speeding drivers to Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to crimestoppersvic.com.au.
