Road trauma fatalities drop in Victoria as police wrap up road operation
In what is traditionally the most dangerous month for road trauma, Victoria has bucked the trend, with the state recording its lowest number of lives lost on record during March.
There were 18 lives lost on Victorian roads last month, down 25 from the previous year.
It comes as Victoria Police wrapped up it's roadside safety month-long operation last Thursday.
Police engage for lowest March on record. The Age
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Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said the operation reduced road trauma during a traditionally "deadly period".
"Sadly though, there were still 18 lives lost in March, and whilst it's been our lowest March on record, it's apparent there are still too many deaths on our roads," he said.
The operation targeted motorists in high-risk locations across the state, with 1175 offences detected by police – more than 25 per cent for speeding.
There were 72 motorists nabbed for alcohol and drug related offences, with police conducting 11,029 tests throughout the month.
Police also caught 64 disqualified or unlicensed drivers, detected 122 unregistered vehicles, issued 89 mobile phone infringements, and fined 37 people for not wearing a seat belt.
Figures show, March is traditionally the most dangerous month for road trauma. Nine
Assistant Commissioner Weir said the work wasn't over as the state heads into one of its busiest periods: school holidays.
"Now is not the time to be complacent," he said.
"Enjoy this upcoming period but please, slow down, take regular breaks on long trips and let's ensure we all reach our destinations safely."
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Police will be launching another statewide road policing operation next week to coincide with Easter, which will extend into the Anzac Day public holiday the following weekend.
There will be a focus on regional travel, with more than 60 per cent of this year's fatalities occurring on rural roads.
There have been 70 lives lost to date in 2022, six higher than 2021.
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