Word to wise to be safe at wheel

EIGHT people have died on Geelong roads in 2017 and police are hoping a holiday road blitz will prevent any more families enduring a Christmas without a loved one.

Police launched Operation Roadwise on Friday, a traffic safety campaign focused on reducing road trauma during the busy holiday period — ending on January 7.

Geelong and the Surf Coast have been earmarked as high priority regions for police during the blitz.

Transport Accident Commission statistics show there have been eight deaths on Geelong and Surf Coast roads since January 1, with the often dangerous holiday period in full swing.

It took only 10 days for one of the region’s deadliest roads to claim its first life of 2017, when 26-year-old father of four Jarrod Brideson crashed into a tree on the way to work.

Bannockburn footy champ Amy Gorrell, 18, was another of the region’s road fatalities in 2017, killed on her way to work when her car left the Midland Highway and crashed into trees at Gheringhap in September.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said 14 people died on Victoria’s roads in the 24-day Roadwise campaign last year, with another 233 people seriously injured and 758 receiving other injuries.

“We can’t accept that it is only a matter of time before another life is lost on our roads, because if this is the case, I ask for you to choose who it will be from your family,” Mr Fryer said.

“Everyone will say it can’t be someone from their own family, but sadly it will be.

“If we look at the figures for the last five years from today, until the end of this year, another 10 people will lose their lives before the New Year.

“Please don’t accept this, think about your choices; when behind the wheel or handlebars of a bike or when walking down the street and what the ultimate consequence could be.

“Drive to survive, because there is no one someone won’t miss.”

During Operation Roadwise, police will target the main causes of road fatalities and serious injury, including speeding, mobile phone use and driver distraction, and drink and drug drivers, seatbelts and fatigue.

Mr Fryer warned motorists to expect to see increased enforcement throughout the state during the operation.