Police will launch their annual Christmas road blitz earlier than previous years as the number of deaths on Victorian roads continues to spiral.
277 lives have been lost to road trauma in Victoria this year, the highest in 15 years and 36 more than for all of 2022.
Locally, a man whose truck was struck by a train at North Shore on Monday was the tenth person killed in Greater Geelong in 2023, equaling the 2022 total.
Operation Roadwise will get underway on Friday, almost a week earlier than usual, as police pull out all stops in a bid to slow the carnage.
Police will saturate roads in the Geelong region and across the state from December 15 until January 1,
The blitz will target poor and unsafe driving behaviour including speeding, driver distraction, seat belts, fatigue, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Speed cameras will be set up in identified speed and high collision locations across Victoria.
Sergeant Kristy Briffa from Westgate Highway Patrol said the operation also aims to improve driver awareness and journey planning.
“During this Road Policing Operation, Victoria Police will implement a strategically co-ordinated and tactically focused approach targeting the key contributing factors to road trauma,” Sergeant Briffa said.
There will be a special focus on end of year work functions and Christmas parties during the crackdown.
