Police out in force
Expectations of a high volume of Easter traffic across the region has triggered a police warning that they will be out in force to ensure motorists follow road rules.
Wimmera Superintendent Ian Milner said Victoria Police Operation Nexus would be in full swing across the five-day Easter period, focusing on rural roads as well as highways.
“We’re asking everyone to please obey road rules, to take their time and be courteous on the roads,” he said.
“We’re expecting a big increase in visitors over the weekend and ask that everyone take steps to make sure they can get home safely.”
Mr Milner said Operation Nexus would specifically target excessive speed and impaired driving due to alcohol and drugs.
“But we are also zeroing in on the other primary causes of fatal road trauma – driver distraction, fatigue and restraint non-compliance. We’ve recently had two fatalities in the region where it appeared the victims weren’t wearing seatbelts, which is of obvious concern,” he said.
Mr Milner said drivers should also be aware that random breath-testing of drivers was back.
“We haven’t had breath-testing sites for a while during COVID-19 restrictions, but people will see our members pulling cars over for testing. Our members are tasked with road safety and they’re determined to do everything they can to make sure roads are safe and incident free,” he said.
Mr Milner agreed that the Easter break, as more of an extended long weekend than holiday, might pressure people to fall into a trap of getting to and returning from their destinations quicker than usual.
“But we’re asking everyone to stick to the speed limits and take their time. This is a time for people to enjoy the area or time with family and friends. We don’t want it to be a time of trauma on the roads,” he said.
Mr Milner reminded people that some motorists might be out of practice in driving long distances after lengthy COVID-19 travel restrictions in the past 12 months.
“It is easy for fatigue to kick in and everyone should stop regularly for breaks when on the road and make the most of ‘Driver Reviver’ opportunities such as the one that will be operating off the Western Highway at Green Lake near Horsham,” he said.
“Many of the circumstances surrounding the Easter break can produce a recipe for disaster on our roads if people aren’t focused on taking care.
“With the easing of restrictions we’re expecting a large influx of people into and through the area. In the Wimmera we have events such as the Stawell Gift and Stawell races and with predicted fine weather people will be on the move.”