Easter is historically a time of high risk on Victoria’s roads with 20 people killed and more than 1300 injured between 2010 and 2014, Victoria Police said in a statement.

Victoria Police also posted a heart-breaking plea on social media Thursday morning.

Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said he wanted all road users to look out for and take care of each other this Easter. 

“With most Victorians enjoying a four-day weekend there will be a large increase in the number of people travelling on the road which leads to increased risk of a collision,” he said. 

“This increased risk was tragically highlighted during the recent Labour Day weekend when eight people died on our roads. 

“Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on our roads so I’m asking everyone to remember to be patient, take regular breaks, and share the driving if possible. 

“There is no rush, the most important thing is that you get to your destination safely.” 

Read the message from Bendigo Highway Patrol here.

Victoria Police will be out in force across the state from Thursday, April 2, until Monday, April 6, as part of Operation Crossroads. 

The operation will target the fatal five factors of road trauma – drink/drug-driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction, and not using seatbelts. 

Additional resources will be deployed to Benalla, Mitchell, Wangaratta, Moorabool, Bass Coast and Surf Coast in an effort to combat an increase in off-road motorcycle trauma. 

“Police detected almost 9000 traffic offences across the state during Easter last year,” Assistant Commissioner Hill said. 

“You can be caught anywhere, anytime, so save yourself the fine and do the right thing. You never know you may just save your life too.”