By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Highway Patrol police will be out in force against unsafe drivers in a 24-day enforcement blitz in the Christmas-New Year period.
Operation Roadwise will target drivers who are drunk, drug-affected, speeding and distracted by mobile phones during the high-risk period.
“This is to ensure that all Victorians can travel and arrive safely at their destinations over the holiday period,” Acting Senior Sergeant Brendan Thomas of the region’s Highway Patrol said.
The campaign started on 15 December, running until 7 January, 2018. It involves Highway Patrol and all available police officers from other units.
In the operation’s first three days, two vehicles were impounded in West Melbourne and Officer.
In the latter incident, a Holden sedan was detected at 54km/h above the speed limit on Princes Freeway.
The 25-year-old driver, of Highett, failed to stop for police until she pulled over into a service lane in Mulgrave.
Her car was impounded for 30 days. She was charged with driving while disqualified as well as speeding and failing to stop for police.
This year, 240 lives have been lost on the road. The main factors are speeding, alcohol, drugs and fatigue.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan, who launched the campaign with Victoria Police, urged drivers to “make good choices” behind the wheel.
“The best gift we can give our loved ones is just to be there.
“Slowing down and sticking to the speed limit can be the difference between life and death. It really is that simple.”
