Operation Furlong 2022 is a state-wide Road Policing Operation over the Melbourne Cup long weekend period. It aims to increase driver awareness and journey planning, while reducing road trauma during this high risk time on our roads.
This 5 day Road Policing Enforcement Campaign will run from Friday, October 28 to Tuesday, November 1.
Road Policing Advisor Sergeant Marty Wallace from Westgate Highway Patrol said the operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police Service Areas during the five days, using all available personnel from local road policing units, general duties and other regional resources.
The Police operation will be targeting the main causes of lives lost and serious injuries in crashes which are impaired driving, speed, fatigue, distraction offences and seat belt compliance
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 seat belt 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 a minimum 15 minute break, at least every two hours and don’t drive if you are tired.
Drivers planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in vehicles on our major Freeways and Highways throughout the State.
Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on the community, from the family members, to the emergency services workers who have to deal with these tragedies on a daily basis, to the police who have to deliver the devastating news to loved ones.
All of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in reducing road trauma.
RoadSafe Westgate Community road safety council chairman Mr 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 affects 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 Furlong during the 2022 Melbourne Cup long weekend would hopefully reduce the number of serious road crashes on our roads.
He asked the community to report speeding drivers to Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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.
If you plan to have a drink then plan not to drive, taking a big risk like drink driving is just not worth endangering your life or the lives of other road users.
Before embarking on a trip drivers should check their tyres, windscreen washers, brakes and lights.
Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your Melbourne Cup holiday weekend.
