Police are warning of the dangers of excessive speed and fatigue this long weekend as new analysis shows a concerning number of motorists killed in single vehicle collisions.
As Victoria Police launches Operation Arid, force data shows 20 people have died in single vehicle collisions on rural roads this year.
It represents around 40% of the 52 deaths recorded across the entire state in 2024.
Excessive speed and fatigue have been the most common factors leading to drivers veering off the road.
These factors are a major focus for police as part of Operation Arid which launces today, running to midnight Monday 11 March.
From Ballarat to Bairnsdale, Stawell to Orbost and Warrnambool to Wodonga police will be taking a zero tolerance stand on our roads.
State and local highway patrols will be out in force along with drug and booze buses with a significant police presence planned around several music festivals.
Victoria Police is uniting with the Transport Accident Commission ahead of the long weekend, to launch a new awareness campaign reminding motorists officers can be out anywhere, anytime.
While motorists will see a highly visible police presence, there will also be a large number on unmarked police cars patrolling both metro and rural roads.
The number of lives lost on Victoria's roads this year stands at 52 compared with 63 at the same time last year.
Historically March has the highest volume of road trauma in both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Operation Arid will run statewide from 12.01am Friday 8 March to 11.15pm Monday 11 March 2024.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner, John Fitzpatrick:
"The number of people killed in single vehicle collisions on rural roads is of extreme concern to police.
That's why we are focussing on speed and reminding drivers to take breaks this long weekend."
Operation Arid will see marked and unmarked patrol cars on the roads, along with our fleet of Alcohol and Drug Testing vehicles.
"There will also be a major police presence around music festivals and events taking place this weekend, so expect to be tested for alcohol and drugs.
We could be anywhere, anytime this weekend. After a horrid 2023 it's up to all of us to ensure we don't see a repeat this year."
