A road trauma survivor has joined police and a forensic pathologist to share his story about how “one second” driving on a road changed his life, and many other lives, forever.
In Victoria Police’s latest road safety campaign launched ahead of the Easter long weekend, the father of a road trauma victim also tells of his grief after attending the roadside where his daughter died.
Victoria Police is highlighting the long lasting impact intentional high-risk behaviour behind the wheel can have and the ripple effect on those who are left behind.
On 27 May 2019, two people died when their vehicle lost control at high speed and collided with an oncoming car in Mt Eliza. The driver of the second vehicle sustained life-long serious injuries, and he shares his story, as he continues to recover both mentally and physically, as part of a video piece about the consequences of high risk driving.
This Easter, Operation Nexus will run from 12.01am on Thursday 1 April until 11.59pm Monday 5 April 2021. Police will be targeting speed, drink and drug driving and mobile phone use.
With large numbers of people travelling long distances or on unfamiliar roads to get to holiday destinations, police will also be targeting fatigue, asking drivers to plan their trip and rest regularly when on Victoria’s busy roads.
Victoria State Emergency Service Driver Reviver sites will be operating at 25 roadside locations to encourage drivers to stop, rest and refresh.
Over the past five Easter long weekends, six lives have been lost and a further 864 people injured.
Further, a total of 33,776 traffic and criminal offences have been detected over the same period, including 15,792 for speeding.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Specialist Operations Libby Murphy said: “This Easter long weekend there will be more vehicles on our roads as people make their way to holiday areas, but unfortunately with this, we’ll see more high-risk driving, where some people make poor decisions to speed or drink drive.
“We’re reminded of the tragic consequences of intentional high risk driving in this compelling video that we’ve launched today.
“These are real and terribly sad stories. And if you don’t want to listen to police tell you the reasons not to take risks on our roads, listen to them.
“It can be one second – whether it’s speeding, drink or drug driving or using your phone – that can lead to tragic consequences.
“This long weekend, please don’t make a decision behind the wheel that could ruin your life or those around you. Don’t speed to get to your destination faster, don’t drink or take drugs before driving, put your mobile phone down and your seatbelt on, and make regular stops if you’re feeling tired.”
