As Victoria enters one of the highest risk periods for death and injury on the roads, police have issued a critical road safety alert.
It comes after four lives were lost across the state, one of those being a fatal collision in nearby Buxton, in the 48 hours leading up to Friday 17 June.
Eighteen lives were lost in just two weeks this time last year and police are concerned about a repeat, especially as winter weather reduces visibility and creates hazardous driving conditions.
Distraction and speed were last year cited as the most common underlying factors in fatal crashes during the period of concern, spanning from 19 June to 4 July.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said now is not the time to be complacent when getting behind the wheel.
“Slowing down, remaining alert and being extra cautious when roads are wet or visibility is affected are simple but life-saving measures all motorists can take to protect themselves and other road users,” he said.
“Police will remain highly visible and on the lookout for any risky driver behaviour. We are determined to do everything we can to ensure this period does not become synonymous with road trauma.”
For a third of the collisions during the two week period, speed was a factor, while a quarter involved pedestrians with poor visibility the main contributor.
Police also suspect fatigue and distraction were involved in these fatal collisions, with some drivers drifting on to the wrong side of the road and colliding with trees or other vehicles.
The road death toll this year has already reached 113, 18 deaths higher than this time last year.
It also follows the statewide road policing operation over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend which detected more than 5000 traffic offences.
Police will remain highly visible across the state’s roads as the school holiday period kicks off next week.
