Road toll climbing
Wimmera police officers are urging road users to limit distractions and be mindful as the road toll continues to climb.
Wimmera Superintendent Sharon Mccrory said 19 lives had been lost on Western Region roads this year.
“In the Wimmera, there have been six lives lost on our roads compared to one at the same time last year,” she said.
“It’s a real concern and a priority for myself, my members and Victoria Police.”
Superintendent Mccrory said driver error had been a major contributor to road trauma this year, which was often avoidable.
“Driver error includes failing to stop, losing control due to distraction or fatigue, or a combination of things,” she said.
“We want drivers to be mindful on the road, drive to the condition, be focused and cut out distractions such as mobile phones or leaning into the back seat.”
Victoria has recorded 74 lives lost on roads to date, 23 more than this time last year and a 51 percent increase on the fiveyear average. Two-thirds of fatal crashes this year have occurred on regional roads.
Superintendent Mccrory said there was a misconception that people dying on regional roads were not local.
“That could not be further from the truth,” she said.
“Regional residents make up the majority of lives lost on our roads. We must not be complacent because a split second is all it takes for a disaster to happen.”
Superintendent Mccrory said road trauma was a life-changing event for all involved.
“The repercussions of someone losing their life on our roads stay with families, friends and communities forever, and the effect is profound,” she said.
“It is sad for everyone and also has an impact on our members and other emergency services workers.
“Stop and think about the consequences when you’re driving.
“Our biggest priority is stopping any more families dealing with the loss of a loved one on our roads – we don’t want any more people to die on our roads this year.”
Assistant Commissioner of road policing Glenn Weir said March was historically a highrisk month for road trauma.
“We cannot afford complacency on our roads,” he said.
“It’s been a shocking start to the year – particularly on our rural roads.
“However, a lot of the trauma we’re experiencing, particularly those single-vehicle fatal collisions, is tragically avoidable.
“It’s up to all of us to turn this around, and while police will be out enforcing at every opportunity, we cannot achieve this alone.”
Assistant Commissioner Weir said complacency was a major concern.
“We need everyone to play their part and that means getting back to basics behind the wheel – slow down, put down the mobile phone and pay attention to road signs, other road users and surroundings,” he said.