Victoria Police is launching Operation Compass for the Easter long weekend with a clear message for people to drive safely, plan ahead, take regular breaks and get everyone home safely.
Victoria Police will be out in force from 14 to 18 April and over the Anzac Day long weekend. Police will be targeting speeding, drug and drink driving, fatigue and irresponsible behaviour such as mobile phone use.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville said one life lost on our roads is one too many.
“We’re urging all Victorians to make smart decisions when travelling this Easter to avoid any heartbreaking situations,” Ms Neville said.
“If you’re doing the wrong thing on our roads this long weekend, the chances are you’ll be caught, and the consequences will be serious.”
Local police officers will be supported by specialist resources including highway patrol, heavy vehicle units, solo-unit motorcycles and the operations response unit.
Booze and drug buses will be deployed across both metropolitan and regional Victoria throughout the Easter long weekend – targeting holiday hot spots, regional highways and popular city roads.
Last year’s operation detected 3,956 speeding offences, 297 drinking drivers, 273 drug drivers, 346 drivers using their mobile phones and 222 disqualified or suspended drivers.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said we know Easter is a high-risk period on our roads.
“We’re asking all Victorians to drive safely so everyone can make it home to their loved ones.”
In addition to Operation Compass, Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will operate ’Pause Stops’, which will be set up for motorists to take a break when travelling along major regional roads.
Fatigue contributes to about 20 percent of fatalities on Victorian roads.
The TAC recently launched a new social media campaign addressing the number of Victorians dying on the roads due to simple errors and complacency, which are both common risks during busy periods with people traveling longer distances.
The Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) Driver Reviver Program will see 30 sites operating across the state, where drivers and their families will be greeted by volunteers offering a free cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, and most importantly, the chance to stop and rest before hitting the road again.
