With a busy festive period anticipated on the roads, Victoria Police has launched Operation Roadwise, a statewide road policing effort targeting high-risk driving behaviour over the Christmas period.
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Police will be out patrolling major arterials and highways to detect dangerous drivers and reduce road trauma.
There will be a focus on impaired driving and motorists can expect to see Victoria Police's fleet of Alcohol and Drug Testing vehicles checking motorists at high-risk locations.
"For most of us, this is an exciting time of year with holidays fast approaching and festive cheer in full swing," Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir said.
"But for the families of the 227 people who are honoured with this Christmas tree it's a sobering reminder that their loved one will not be with them."
Motorists enjoying end-of-year celebrations are urged to think twice before consuming alcohol or drugs and getting behind the wheel.
"It's disturbing motorists who shouldn't have any alcohol in their system are choosing to drink and drive," Mr Weir said.
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"These motorists are demonstrating a blatant disregard to all road users, let alone their own safety and that of their passengers.
"There is absolutely no excuse for drink driving."
Police are targeting impaired drivers throughout the operation, which runs until 11.59pm on Sunday, December 26.
There have been more than 72,000 preliminary breath tests conducted since the operation commenced on Friday, December 17.
Police have said first-time offenders who go even a little bit over the limit will face substantial penalties, including fines, loss of licence and disqualification.
The penalties are significantly more severe for drivers with higher BAC readings and repeat offenders - including possible jail time for the most serious offences involving alcohol.
"Police are conducting alcohol tests at every opportunity and if you think you won't get caught - think again," Mr Weir said.
"We won't hesitate to remove drink drivers from the roads - even if you're only the slightest bit over"
Operation Roadwise will also see police targeting speeding drivers. Last year more than 6200 speeding offences were detected over the Christmas and New Year's period.
There were 10 lives lost between December 18, 2020 and January 6 this year.
"While we're asking everyone to slow down, not drink or take drugs and drive, and avoid distractions like mobile phones - rest assured police will also be doing our bit and ramping up enforcement on Victorian roads," Mr Weir said.
"Please, drive safely. We don't want to see any more names added to this Christmas tree."
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads during the festive period, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
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