Northern Grampians police are preparing for a flurry of traffic on regional roads across the next three weekends, as Melbournians get some respite from the city and enjoy all of what regional Victoria has to offer.
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With this increase in traffic police are planning for the worst but hoping for the best, launching an additional state-wide operation to try and influence bad driver behaviour.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner John Fitzpatrick said Operation Compass begins as thousands of drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists, new P-Platers, caravanners and truck drivers are anticipated to share the road as they head off on a well-deserved break.
"This is the first real opportunity that Melbournians have had in some time to get out and enjoy what Victoria has to offer," he said.
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"While it is fantastic to see people engaging in these recreational activities, we need people to go back to basics and arrive to their destination safely.
"This means buckling up, slowing down, and not driving while impaired.
"People will be driving both speeds and distances they are unfamiliar with. I urge that drivers do all they can to arrive alive.
"This means taking appropriate breaks, leaving your phone alone and being aware of your surroundings."
Police will be using an intelligence-based approach to target locations and major arterials law-breaking drivers are expected to be. This includes behaviour such as speeding, drink and drug driving, people not wearing seatbelts, mobile phone use and fatigue.
With restaurants, pubs and wineries open for service, the community can be reassured police will be out conducting both PBTs and drug tests to get dangerous drivers off our roads.
Drivers heading to popular coastal locations are urged to pay extra attention for pedestrians and cyclists around busy parks and beaches, and drive accordingly.
Over the past four weeks, 21 people have lost their life on Victorian roads.
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Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
