By Mitchell Clarke
Victoria Police are warning motorists in the south-east to expect a greater police presence on the roads as they urge drivers to reset their attitudes towards road safety.
Starting today, 1 August, Operation Reset aims to reset driver behaviour as we head into the second half of the year.
Already this year in Victoria’s south eastern suburbs, 24 people have died in road accidents, a 100 percent increase, where 12 people had died this time last year.
In terms of serious injuries, there has been a 19.3 percent increase, with 376 lives changed forever.
Southern Metro Region Acting Commander Tony Silva said the operation would focus on known road trauma locations.
“Police in the south east will have a visible presence on the highways, backstreets and off-road locations in the hope that motorists think twice about their behaviour,” A/Cmdr Silva said.
“Police see this as an opportunity to reflect on the last six months lives lost and serious injuries count, an opportunity for you to show some patience on the road, an opportunity to adjust your road behaviour as a driver.
“Something needs to change to address the ever increasing amount of people losing their lives on our roads in the south east.”
Police attribute reckless speed, failure to give way and impaired driving as the key contributing factors to fatal collisions.
“Not arriving at your destination isn’t worth the five minutes in time you gain from speeding or not driving to the conditions,” A/Cmdr Silva said.
“If you plan to go out to some of our entertainment districts in the south-east, pre plan who is going to drive.
“Every time a motorist sees police on the road it is a reminder to follow the road rules.”
Operation Reset begins on Thursday 1 August and runs until 11.59pm on Sunday 4 August.
