IT’S fantastic to see the streets of Warrnambool abuzz with activity as a predicted 15,000 people arrive to spend their holidays in the south-west.
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Living in such a beautiful patch of the world, it’s no wonder so many choose to spend their summer break here.
In fact, as we know, the people of Warrnambool love their summers, their beach and their holidays so much that they camp in their own town.
Vehicles from almost every state can be found on our roads as people visit, or pass through, the area.
Thousands of extra vehicles in Warrnambool alone has meant driving around the central business district and tourist hot spots can be a timely and logistical process.
It’s appropriate then that police have warned drivers across this weekend – and indeed, the entire summer – to travel safely and show respect and consideration on our roads.
Police recorded almost 200 offences between December 16 and Friday morning – and they have vowed people doing the wrong thing will be caught.
It’s alarming to learn that of the 176 offences in that period, 105 were speed-related. Clearly people are not listening to the decades-long campaign calling on people to slow down.
The campaign comes after a year when 278 people lost their lives on Victorian roads – 14 of those across the six south-west municipalities, TAC records show.
More than 110 people died on rural roads across the state to September – a double-digit percentage increase to the same period last year.
The carnage on regional roads is no less devastating for the family, friends and communities which are impacted by fatalities.
But there is a sense that the incredible work undertaken to reduce the road toll during the past four decades has led to complacency – in the form of less vigour in the discussion to reduce the toll further, and in regard to driver behaviour.
The digital age has brought with it so many distractions. There are new ways for communities to communicate about the issues which they view as important and new ways for drivers to be distracted.
The start of a new year is a time for reflection. It’s a time for resolutions and a time to wipe the slate clean.
As you celebrate the beginning of 2017 this weekend, make the resolution to always arrive home safe. It’s the right thing to do.
