Road Safety a Must Australia Day and Every Day

Photo: guizzetti.org

Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Debra Robertson said the statewide road safety focus for the coming weekend kicks off today with the launch of Operation Amity.

“The operation will run for five days over a time when Victorians like to get away,” A/AC Robertson said.

“With motorists and families travelling on often unfamiliar roads, we know that the smallest mistake can have devastating consequences.

“I’m urging motorists to take the time to consider their safety when they get in their car and I want motorists to think it could happen to them.

“Four people died in four separate collisions over the Australia Day long weekend last year and 72 people were seriously injured, I just don’t want this repeated.’

As part of Operation Amity, police will focus on detection and enforcement, in particular excessive speed, driver distraction, seatbelts, fatigue, drug and drink driving, all major contributing factors in fatalities.

“What I want to stress is that even though this operation runs for five days our focus on road safety will continue,” A/AC Robertson said.

“Fourteen people have lost their lives on the roads this year compared to 11 in 2016; by the end of January last year 21 people were dead.

“On this day last year, 10 people were still going about their lives, not knowing what was to come.

“By the end of January and in the space of four days, those 10 people were dead; we all have to make sure this does not happen again.

“It’s true, we can’t be everywhere, but we will be somewhere - so if you choose to put yourself, your family or other road users at risk, you will be dealt with accordingly.

“Enjoy the next few days and please don’t gamble with your life.”

Operation Amity 2017 commenced 0001 hours this morning and will conclude 2359 hours Sunday 29 January, 2017.

The five police service areas identified as priorities during the operation this year, taking into account the number of collisions, injuries and volume of trauma in the past over a long weekend are Benalla, Wodonga, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Surf Coast.