POLICE are ramping up patrols in an effort to drive down road trauma during the festive season.
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Detecting drink and drug driving will be of increased focus during Operation Roadwise, which runs until January 5.
More than 250 people have died on Victorian roads in 2019.
Twenty-six people have died on central Victorian roads, including six deaths in Greater Bendigo.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said people needed to be smarter during the holiday period.
"Twelve people lost their lives on our roads last year during the festive season," Assistant Commissioner Murphy said.
"Many people will be attending parties and other events to celebrate the end of the year, so if you are going to have a few drinks, then make sure you've planned how to get home without driving.
"Drug and alcohol testing will be taking place throughout the state and our police will be testing as many motorists and riders as possible to get those who are impaired off our roads."
Bendigo Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Peter Dyer said people should expect a highly visible police presence on the region's roads.
"It's the same things we've been targeting year in and year out," he said.
Victoria Police is remembering the 253 people who have lost their lives with a Christmas tree featuring baubles inscribed with their first names and ages.
Assistant Commissioner Murphy said the baubles acted as a reminder that behind the statistics of road trauma were real people.
"Everyone who loses their life on our roads is missed by someone, and each of these baubles represents a person who was special to those who knew and loved them," she said.
"It's a reminder that lives lost on our roads is not about numbers - it's about real families losing people they love.
"Behind each of these baubles is a story of a family that is grieving for a mum, dad, brother, sister, son or daughter who won't be coming home this Christmas."
The 'Lives Lost' Christmas tree will be displayed at the Victoria Police Centre in Melbourne.
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