By KATH GANNAWAY
YARRA Ranges and Maroondah Highway Patrol officers are part of a concerted operation to keep the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges roads safe over the Labour Day long weekend.
They will be joined by members from across all the entire police operations in the region as part of Operation Arid which started at 12.01 this morning (Friday).
With 68 lives being lost so far this year, up 15 on the same time last year, police are urging people to look out for each other.
Seven families will mark this Labor Day long weekend as the first anniversary of the death of a loved one over the holiday weekend last year.
“So far this year, 68 families have received the same knock on the door those families received this time last year,” said Road Policing Superintendent, Deb Robertson.
“This is a whole of community issue and we can’t police our way out of it,” Supt Robertson said.
She urged people to protect their family and friends by speaking up if they think someone should not be driving, and pointed out that fatigue contributed to three of last year’s seven deaths.
Speaking on behalf of Maroondah and Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol units, Acting Sergeant Heather Allen said there would be a combined effort on the local roads.
“With the number of fatalities in the Yarra Ranges area, we will have a highly visible presence of uniform and special units who will engage with anyone exhibiting irresponsible or dangerous road user behaviours,” Sgt Allen said.
“Obviously the long weekend is a busy time on the roads, so people need to plan ahead to make sure they arrive in a timely and safe manner.”
She said with caravans and slower vehicles on the roads, drivers needed to be patient and not give in to frustration, and also need to consider their alcohol consumption, and be well rested before getting behind the wheel.
The disproportionate number of motorcyclists killed on the roads this year brought an additional warning from Supt Robertson.
She said they represented only four per cent of vehicles on the roads, but accounted for a third of the lives lost.
“Many of those who died are everyday people who are underestimating the risks and making a mistake – then next thing you know, they’re not with us,” she said.
“The mild weather makes it easier to think ‘I’ll just jump on a bike and go for a spin’.”
“Whenever you plan to ride, you must wear the appropriate protective gear, no matter the weather.”
