Victoria Police have issued a critical Road Safety Alert as the State enters an especially high-risk period for death and serious injury.
The police alert follows the loss of 10 lives on State roads this month, bringing the total lives lost to 222 – 24 higher than the same time last year.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Justin Goldsmith said 11 lives were lost in 11 days at the same time last year and police were concerned about a repeat, especially as traffic volumes increased towards the end of the year and wild spring weather continued to cause hazardous driving conditions.
“Now is not the time to be complacent when getting behind the wheel,” Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.
“Unfortunately, it was distraction and basic road user errors during this period last year that resulted in the most fatalities, which just shows that a simple lapse in concentration can have catastrophic consequences,” he said.
“Slowing down, remaining alert and being extra cautious during periods of wild weather are simple, but ultimately life-saving measures that all motorists can take to protect themselves and other road users.”
Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said police were determined to avoid a repeat of the road trauma trends and were urging motorists to take extra care, with December considered one of the highest-risk periods on Victorian roads for collisions.
He said Victoria Police would increase its enforcement efforts and remain highly visible on roads throughout December, with a statewide road policing operation to commence before Christmas.
“Police will be doing everything they can to reduce road trauma during this high-risk period, but we need everyone to do their bit,” Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.
