AFTER three fatal accidents in the south-west already this year, police will continue their increased presence on the roads today as part of an Australia Day long weekend blitz.
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Acting south-west road safety adviser Senior Sergeant Steve Thompson said all available officers would be on the roads as part of Operation Amity.
He said police would be focused on speed, alcohol, drugs, distraction and hoon driving as well as the safety of motorcyclists.
“Previous statistics show that this weekend is big for motorcyclists with lots of events and rides on,” he said.
“Interestingly, speed was a contributing factor in more than half of all motorbike fatalities and in 83 per cent of cases the rider was at fault.”
Senior Sergeant Thompson said fatalities caused untold trauma in the community.
“Obviously there have been three fatalities on south-west roads this year in the Warrnambool police service area and we will be taking all action possible to reduce road trauma,” he said.
“The fatalities have really drawn attention to how much of a flow-on effect there is to the community.” He pleaded with motorists to drive safely.
“We want drivers to plan their trips, make sure they are rested and drive to the conditions,” he said.
VicRoads has also reminded motorists to drive safely and avoid drink driving.
“Whether you are just driving around the corner for a barbecue with mates or travelling further afield to celebrate, this long weekend plan to arrive alive,” regional director William Tieppo said.
“If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving.”
Maritime Safety Victoria was also conducting random patrols in an effort to maintain a zero-fatality record.
Maritime safety acting director Adrian Mnew said the Australia Day weekend was a time to remind all boaters they were responsible for keeping themselves, their passengers and those boating around them safe.
