The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is urging Victorians to take care on the roads and plan ahead for the long weekend.
The plea for caution follows a spike in road deaths, with 54 people having lost their lives on Victorian roads in the past two months, compared to 44 by the same time in 2021.
Minister for Police, Lisa Neville said after a record low in 2021, regional deaths had increased by 70 per cent, with 34 lives lost compared to 20 at this time last year.
“Road safety authorities are particularly concerned with the rise in pedestrian, motorcyclist and young driver deaths,” Ms Neville said.
“Pedestrian and motorcycle deaths are well above the same time last year, and nine young people aged 18-20 have lost their lives – over four times the five-year average,” she said.
“With March historically a high-fatality period on our roads, the Government is calling on all road users to play their part in keeping roads safe – plan ahead, slow down, don’t drink or drug drive, put your phone away and make safe choices.”
Ms Neville said Victoria Police would be out in force over the long weekend, with Operation Arid to target speeding, distraction and drink and drug driving, as well as unsafe motorcyclist behaviour.
The Minister said the TAC would also be out to help drivers stay rested over the long weekend, with ‘Pause Stops’ set up along major regional routes.
“People can enjoy complimentary barista-made coffee, comfortable deck chairs for a 15-minute powernap and games to entertain children while parents relax,” Ms Neville said.
