Melton highway patrol will launch a major traffic blitz during the high-risk Labor Day long weekend.
Operation ARID will apply across Victoria from March 6 to 9, aiming to reduce road crashes and trauma over the traditionally high-risk holiday period.
Constable Allan Edwards, of the Melton highway patrol, said the major operation followed high levels of road trauma experienced on Victorian roads at the corresponding time last year.
“Across the state last year was one of the worst long weekends for quite some time and we don’t want to see a repeat of that this year.”
During the 2014 long weekend, nine people died on Victorian roads and almost 200 were injured.
“We’re hoping to see no injuries and no fatalities,” Constable Edwards said.
As part of the operation, police will saturate the state’s major highways and freeways, targeting speeding and distracted drivers.
During the 2014 long weekend, 3785 Victorian drivers were caught speeding.
Police also nabbed 546 drink-drivers and 55 drug-drivers.
There were 307 seatbelt offences and 366 mobile phone offences.
Constable Edwards said mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts were offences that contributed to serious injury and fatality collisions.
Motorcycle trauma has also made up 25 per cent of all Labour Day long weekend road trauma incidents in the past five years.
Constable Edwards said police would also concentrate on drivers tailgating.
“We encourage everyone to follow the two-second rule and remain a minimum two seconds behind other vehicles,” he said.
Members of the state highway patrol, heavy vehicle unit, road policing drug and alcohol section and operations response unit will be used to support the statewide operation, particularly in 10 identified high- risk police service areas, which include Brimbank.
Constable Edwards warned anyone heading out over the long weekend to be mindful of other motorists and high traffic levels.
He said the times of highest risk were when people were leaving for holiday destinations and coming home.
“Plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time and be patient,” he said.
