Police will be out in force this weekend targeting risky behaviour to reduce road crashes and trauma.
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State-wide road policing Operation Furlong will see members focusing on drink- and drug-driving, speed, distraction, fatigue and seatbelt use.
Road policing command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said there would be a highly visible police presence on both metropolitan and regional roads from Friday, November 3, to Melbourne Cup day, Tuesday, November 7.
“This time last year we had three road fatalities,” he said.
“That’s three families who will mourn the loss of their loved ones this weekend.”
Last year police nabbed more than 3500 people speeding, 659 people using their mobile phones and 376 people not wearing seat belts.
Almost 600 drink- and drug-driving offences were also handed out.
“This behaviour is simply not acceptable and police don’t want to see this repeated again this year,” Assistant Commissioner Fryer said .
“Booze and drug buses will be deployed throughout the state where our members will be testing as many motorists and riders as possible; so the simple message is if you are going to drink or use drugs, separate these behaviours from driving.
“Police aren’t here to spoil the fun; we’re here to make sure everyone makes it home safely to their families this long weekend.
“Our message to everyone over the long weekend is slow down, turn off your mobile phone, put your seatbelt on, take regular breaks on long journeys and don’t drive after drinking or taking drugs.
“We don’t want to see anyone gambling with their life this long weekend.”