Don’t be a bunny, police warn

HILLS motorists have been put on notice as police get ready to try to keep down the Easter road toll. Police are warning there will be zero tolerance on irresponsible driving.
Yarra Ranges Traffic Management Unit’s Leading Senior Constable Wayne Reynolds said police would be out in force in a bid to reduce the Easter toll.
Last year five people died on Victoria’s roads over the holiday period. Last week police launched Operation Aegis, a statewide crackdown to reduce speeding, drink-driving and irresponsible behaviour.
“We will have all available police on duty, targeting road safety,” Leading Sen Const Reynolds warned motorists.
“We are doing everything we can to keep the toll down to an acceptable level.”
Leading Sen Const Reynolds said the TMU would target areas right across the hills and Yarra Valley.
“We will have a visible presence out there trying to reduce the toll,” he said.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillors Richard Higgins and Terry Avery, both police sergeants, have also issued a challenge to motorists.
They have called for drivers to try to pull off a fatality-free Easter.
Cr Higgins said Easter coupled with the start of school holidays meant roads would be busy and dangerous.
“Given the enormous volume of traffic on the roads over this period, motorists need to exercise patience and extreme care,” he said. Cr Higgins has also urged motorists to rest when fatigue set in because falling asleep at the wheel was one of the main causes of accidents – and deaths.
“Many people will choose to head off on Thursday evening after a long day at work,” he said.
“Rather than driving when tired it is much better to delay your departure to the next day when you are well rested and at less risk of fatigue.
“After all it’s better to get where you’re going late than not at all.”