By Taylah Eastwell
Police will be out in force this Easter long weekend to target speeding, drink and drug driving and mobile phone use.
As many hit the road for an Easter getaway, Operation Nexus will run from 12.01 on Thursday 1 April until 11.59pm on Monday 5 April.
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 (VICSES) 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.
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 it just takes one second for tragedy to strike.
“Whether it’s speeding, drink or drug driving or using your phone – that can lead to tragic consequences,” she 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.”
“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,” Ms Murphy said.
