A state-wide road policing operation dedicated to reducing road trauma has tragically concluded with five people losing their lives on Victorian roads.
Operation Argus, which ran from 12.01am Thursday 5 September to 11.59pm Sunday 8 September, was set up in direct response to the significant number of people killed on our roads this year.
Sadly, the number has now risen to 197 following a tragic weekend that started with a head-on collision on Friday in Wunghnu, where a man and woman died.
It was followed by a single-car crash in Roxburgh Park that evening, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old man; a crash in Hallam on Saturday which saw a man die; and a single-vehicle crash in Gisborne on Sunday, where a 19-year-old man lost his life.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen said the four day operation had yielded a heartbreaking result.
"There are five families now living through the horror and heartache that comes with road trauma and are no longer able to celebrate birthdays, family occasions or Christmas with their loved ones," Acting AC Hansen said.
"This is the worst possible reminder of how delicate life can be and the need for everyone to look out for each other and be mindful of their actions on the roads."
Operation Argus targeted the main causes of road trauma, including driver impairment, fatigue, speeding, distraction and seatbelt offences.
A total of 8677 traffic offences were detected along with 751 crime offences.
Across the four-day period, police nabbed 157 drink drivers and had 213 drivers return positive roadside drug test results.
There were also a total of 255 motorcyclist offences.
Other general offences detected included:
• 196 disqualified/suspended drivers
• 321 unlicensed drivers
• 800 unregistered vehicles
• 3325 speeding offences
• 615 mobile phone offences
• 481 disobey signs/signals
• 124 vehicle impounds
• 208 seatbelt offences
Acting AC Hansen said it was disappointing to see so many motorists continuing to engage in risky behaviour.
"Victoria Police invests significant resources into road policing but we also need the community to work with us. There is absolutely no excuse when it comes to drink and drug driving, speeding or using your mobile phone when driving," Acting AC Hansen said.
"Road trauma is avoidable. It's only a matter of time before either the law catches up with you or you experience the devastating consequences - and we now have five additional families who can attest to that pain."
