Operation Amity is in force across Victoria this long weekend, in an effort to reduce road trauma.
As a busy long weekend at the end of the school holidays period, police are warning everyone there’ll be an influx of traffic on our roads.
They’re urging motorists to slow down, be patient and avoid rushing by allowing plenty of extra travel time.
They should also expect to be tested for alcohol or drugs, with Acting Senior Sergeant of Geelong Highway Patrol Damon Patralakis reminding locals of the risks.
“We want people to be out enjoying the Australia Day long weekend, and we understand that drinking is a part of that, but we just want people to make smart decision before they’re getting behind the wheel,” he said.
“We know that one of the most common reasons given to police when they’re caught drink driving is that they’ve miscalculated their consumption of alcohol, so our advice is that if you are planning to have a drink, don’t drive, leave the car at home.”
During last year’s operation, over 5,200 traffic offences, including 2,261 speeding offences, were detected.
In 2024, police also conducted close to 80,000 alcohol and drug tests, with 154 drink drivers and 121 drug drivers caught.
Operation Amity has been in effect since midnight Friday and will be in place until 11:59pm Monday.
