Drug-drive figures high

Four-day police road blitz nabs offenders

AN ALARMING number of drivers have been busted for driving under the influence of drugs, according to the results of a Geelong and Surf Coast police operation.

More than 172 offences were reported across the region’s roads over the four days of Operation Argus, including speeding, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt.

Police conducted 2544 breath tests, with seven tests returning positive to drug use — a figure considered to be “high”, according to Geelong Highway Patrol.

“I would say it’s high,” Acting Senior Sergeant Peter Quick said. “It’s disappointing that we are still finding alcohol and drugs in drivers’ systems and committing 172 offences.

“Everyone knows there’s an operation going on — and the results are still there. Hopefully one day the penny drops.”

A total of 11 drivers were detected driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The operation also caught 76 speeding drivers, 25 unregistered cars, nine unlicensed drivers and six disqualified drivers.

The findings come after Victoria Police data showed the state’s drug-driving hot spots were located in regional Victoria. Wodonga was found to be the state’s worst spot for drugged drivers, with 88 caught last year, while Warrnambool ranked fourth Victoria-wide with 64 caught.

Operation Argus, which ran from last Thursday until Sunday, aimed to target the main causes of road trauma, including driver impairment, fatigue, speeding, distraction and seatbelt offences.

Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Hansen said it was disappointing so many motorists continued to engage in risky behaviour.

“Victoria Police invests significant resources into road policing but we also need the community to work with us,” he said.

“There is absolutely no excuse when it comes to drink and drug-driving, speeding or using your mobile phone when driving.”

Police are set to be out in full force again over the AFL Grand Final long weekend, in a road operation blitz to prevent poor driver behaviour.

The operation will run from Thursday night until Sunday over the AFL Grand Final holiday period.

“There will be a high-vis police presence, with police enforcing speed and cracking down on driver distraction,” Sgt Quick said. “The idea is to stop harm on the road and the fact we are catching people might be the precursor to stop things like trauma happening.”

In the City of Greater Geelong, 10 people have died on roads in the past 12 months.

The state’s road toll sits at 197 people this year — up 60 more than the same time last year.