It comes after a horror February on Greater Shepparton roads, with about 30 crashes on local roads for the month.
“It’s far too many, and included one fatality and 12 injury collisions of varying degrees, some of which were very serious,” Shepparton Highway Patrol Sergeant Janne Kennedy said.
“We seem to have a lot more people on the road. We’re out of lockdown and everyone is back at work – as well as having a lot of people heading out to regional Victoria.”
Sgt Kennedy said distracted drivers and bad driver behaviour would be targeted this weekend across the state, and in Shepparton, with additional police on roads in the area.
“During the long weekend we’re ensuring we have as many police units out on the road, targeting key contributing factors to road trauma and reducing road trauma,” she said.
“This includes speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, driver distraction and seatbelt offences.”
Sgt Kennedy urged drivers to stick to the speed limits and use their headlights to make sure they were visible on the road.
“If you’re going away, plan your trip. If you’re planning to drink, don’t drive,” she said.
Officers are expecting a high volume of vehicles heading off the main arterials to travel to campgrounds along feeder roads.
In addition, cyclists and motorcyclists are among vulnerable road users across the weekend, with good weather forecast and with people expected to go for longer rides or to challenge their ability on unfamiliar roads.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said police would use every opportunity to be visible, to intercept and to educate drivers.
“If you see a police car along a major arterial or road that leads to your campground, we hope you will think twice before engaging in risky behaviour later in your journey or across the weekend,” Assistant Commissioner Murphy said.
“With some events back on, we know people like to have a few drinks with their friends or choose to take illicit substances.
“Unfortunately, this often translates to people getting behind the wheel while impaired.
“Our message to those who choose to do this is that we will be extra vigilant; any unusual driving behaviour or breach of a road rule could indicate the driver shouldn’t be behind the wheel.”
Operation Arid runs from 12.01 am on March 5 to 11.59 pm on March 8.
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