A statewide Road Policing activity called Operation Roadwise 2024 will be conducted during the 2024 Christmas holiday break from Friday 13 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025. This has been identified as a period of potentially high risk in terms of exposure to road trauma to the Victorian community.
Focus on Road Safety
Operation Roadwise 2024 aims to increase driver awareness and encourage responsible driving to reduce the exposure to road trauma on road users during this time of increasing road use. Police will target high risk driving that has been identified as the main causes of lives lost and serious injuries in crashes, including
• Speeding
• Distracted driving, especially involving mobile phones
• Not wearing a seatbelt along with restraint compliance
• Driving while fatigued
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Impaired Driving)
Road Policing Advisor Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson from Westgate Highway Patrol said, “During this Road Policing Operation, Victoria Police will implement a strategically co-ordinated and tactically focused approach targeting the key contributing factors to road trauma.“
Police will be out in force both to educate drivers and to enforce road rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries.
We’re watching your speed. Are you?
Motorists are requested to stay within the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, wear your seatbelt and make sure you are well rested.
Fatigue is one of the biggest killers and is a major cause of the loss of life on Victorian roads. Drivers are requested to plan their trip, be patient and ensure that you take at least a 15-minute break at least every two hours and don’t drive if you are tired.
Motorists will see numerous police units on major arterial roads during this holiday period and speed cameras will be set up in identified speed and high collision locations throughout the state.
Those planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in vehicles travelling on our major freeways and highways.
Police will be targeting drivers who attend the end of year work functions as it has been identified that there is a risk that some drivers will take risks whilst they are impaired by alcohol and drugs.
Drivers should plan their trips, be patient and ensure that they have frequent breaks when driving long distances.
Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on the community from family members to the emergency service workers who must deal with these tragedies on a daily basis and to the police who deliver devastating news to loved ones.
The whole community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Christmas/new year holiday.
Community Effort
RoadSafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council chairman Jim Giddings said it has been demonstrated time after time that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes. Therefore, stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions you face.
Speeding increases both the risk of a crash happening, and the severity of injuries sustained when a crash does happen.
Mr Giddings said to make sure you’re not putting yourself or others at risk on the roads, put your phone away where you can’t be tempted to use it, for example in the glove box or in the boot to avoid being distracted. He also said the work of his group along with initiatives like the Operation Roadwise during the 2024 Christmas holiday break would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes on our roads.
He asked the community to report speeding drivers to Crime stoppers number 1800 333 000
Road safety is not everyone else’s responsibility. It is yours. If you plan to have a drink, then plan not to drive. The risk of drinking and driving is just not worth endangering your life or those other road users.
Plan Your Trip, Stay Safe
Here are some key tips for a safe holiday break:
• Plan your trip: Check traffic conditions and plan rest stops to avoid fatigue.
• Stick to the speed limit: Every km/h over the limit increases your crash risk.
• Don’t drink and drive: If you plan to drink, arrange alternative transport.
• Put down your phone: Distracted driving is dangerous.
• Wear your seatbelt: It’s the law and could save your life.
• Get enough sleep: Fatigue impairs your driving ability.
• Check your vehicle: Ensure tyres, brakes, lights, and windscreen washers are in good condition.
Holiday driving has its challenges and drivers should drive in the hours they are normally awake, take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and allow extra space between vehicles. Drivers need to adapt to the conditions of the road. The onus is always on the driver to suit the conditions they are facing, and that includes the quality of the road.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Christmas holiday break.
