North-west police chief Simon Stevens has urged Melton motorists to take it easy on the roads after a young driver was killed in a collision last month.
Inspector Stevens said incidents such as the one on Hopkins Road last month left an indelible mark on police force members who, despite public perception, were not immune to the effects of attending the scene of a fatal collision or serious injury.
“I worry about my people attending serious collisions and I also worry about the everlasting effects a momentary lack of attention can have on someone,” he said.
“I have often said that any distraction from your driving can possibly change your life forever. I urge all our motoring community to drive safely, be courteous to others and help us and the TAC to make our roads a safer place.”
On a positive note, the latest data on Melton collision statistics from January 1 to May 31 shows a 16.1 per cent reduction in the number of serious injuries.
The Melton highway patrol recently put the heat on reckless and dangerous drivers with Operation Amber.
Inspector Stevens said more than 1100 drivers were preliminary breath-tested, with seven found to be over the limit.
Another seven were detected as disqualified or suspended drivers. There were also three unlicensed drivers, nine unregistered vehicles, almost 50 drivers speeding, and one driver caught using a mobile phone.
Operation Amber continues with police focusing on driver behaviour, speeding and tailgating on the Western Freeway and surrounding streets.
“We have seen more than 600 offences during this operation ranging from speeding, following too closely and distracted driver offences,” Inspector Stevens said.
