Impaired driving and seatbelt non-compliance stood out to Police as the main issues over the Christmas and New Year period, although they were generally happy with motorists’ behaviour on the roads.
During Operation Roadwise 10 people lost their life on Victorian roads, which was five people less than the same time period last year. While it is pleasing to see a reduction in the number of deaths, this will be of no comfort to those who are mourning someone close to them.
Across the 20-day operation 463 people were caught drink driving and 535 people caught with drugs in their system across the state. Like alcohol, drugs can reduce a driver’s ability to have full control of a vehicle.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said that while Police were happy with driver behaviour overall, the numbers were still disappointing.
“While overall we were happy with the behaviour of drivers, it is disappointing to see that despite all the warnings Victorians continue to drive impaired. It is not worth being caught, or worse – seriously injuring or killing yourself, your mates, or an innocent road user.
“Putting on a seatbelt gives you the best chance of survival if involved in a serious collision. Sadly lives could have been saved if people managed to do this simple task. Whether you are travelling a short distance down the road or on a long journey – always wear a seatbelt. There’s no excuse.”More than 14,216 traffic offences and 1,332 crime offences were detected during Operation Roadwise, including:- 6,201 speeding offences
- 353 disqualified/suspended drivers
- 526 unlicensed drivers
- 1,564 unregistered vehicles
- 502 mobile phone offences
- 693 disobey signs/signals
- 241 vehicle impounds
- 298 seatbelt offences
Operation Roadwise ran from 12.01am on Friday 18 December 2020 to 11.59pm on Wednesday 6 January 2021.
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