POLICE are warning motorists to drive safely over the Christmas holidays, after Yarra Ranges police detected the highest number of drink drivers in the state during Operation RAID.
Running for three weeks, Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) was the first phase of Victoria Police’s Summer Stay statewide enforcement campaign that netted 43 drink drivers from more than 14,000 motorists breath tested in the Yarra Ranges.
Yarra Ranges Police are asking drivers to heed their Christmas message: Stay alert, stay sober, stay within the limit, stay alive and stay back from the car in front.
Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Graeme Rust said more drink drivers had been caught in the Yarra Ranges than elsewhere as more police were out in the lead-up to Christmas.
“The message here is, obviously we are testing more people in more places and the risk of getting caught is greater, so don’t risk it,” he said.
“Drink drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in a road collision than other drivers, and to be a drink driver you don’t have to feel drunk to be drunk.”
Acting Sgt Rust said many drivers seemed to be in a hurry leading up to Christmas, and often forgot to hang back from the car in front.
“This is a critical time on our roads,” he said.
“So please heed our Christmas message, and stay safe and well over Christmas and enjoy the New Year with your family.”
Road Policing Superintendent Neville Taylor said he was amazed and disappointed by the number of people who continued to take the risk and drink drive.
“Police have a well-publicised operation running across Victoria over the Christmas period aimed at removing drink and drug drivers from our roads.
“But the bigger risk than getting caught is killing yourself – or someone else.
“Over coming weeks, we will continue to breath test drivers at all times of day and night – if you drink and drive, you will be caught.”
Speedsters and distracted drivers are in police sights as they launch the second phase of their Summer Stay road enforcement campaign with Operation Aegis XI, which will see police across the entire state broaden their focus, targeting speed, driver distraction, fatigue, drugs and alcohol.
Acting Sgt Rust’s Top Tips for Drivers:
– Allow a good two second or more gap between your car and the car in front.
– Everyone should remember that a single white line is like double lines – overtaking is not permitted.
– Check that you have ample road ahead in which you can make your overtake at the speed limit. If you do not have the room, then have the patience to wait. Failure to have that patience will see police issuing an infringement where you will be fined, possibly losing your licence or worse losing your vehicle for 30 days.
– The mix of rain and sunshine can lead to slippery conditions on our roads and drivers should drive to the conditions and slow down to avoid that slip-sliding feeling.
– Motorcyclists should prepare their bikes and stay hydrated.
– Caravan and boat owners should do a pre-trip check to ensure the vehicles are roadworthy – check that tow couplings, tyres, bearings and lights are working.
