Highest spike in Vic road deaths in 65yrs

A senior cop has lashed inattentive drivers and riders as Victoria heads for the largest spike in its road toll in living memory.

After the death of a motorcyclist on Tuesday night, Victoria's road toll now sits at 65 deaths - 27 per cent higher than the same time last year.

The state's toll has not risen by more than 20 per cent in a single year since 1950.

Victoria's road policing chief Doug Fryer holds "grave concerns" the 2016 trend will continue and Victoria will exceed 300 deaths for the first time since 2008.

"Since 2008, we have got safer roads and we have got safer vehicles," he told reporters on Wednesday.

"What concerns me is that we don't have safer drivers."

He condemned a "driving culture" that he says does not understand the fatal consequences that come from distraction or fatigue at highway speeds.

Motorcyclist safety is also a focus for Victoria Police with the rider death toll now 20, 14 higher than the same time last year.

Drier, cooler weather has resulted in more favourable riding conditions and many more older riders are getting back on bikes.

Mr Fryer said three-quarters of riders killed since January 1, some through no fault of their own, were over the age of 35.

Some riders continue to flaunt rules around protective clothing.

"I'm really keen for everyone to start talking around safe riding," he said.

"If you come off a bike at 100km/h in thongs, a singlet and shorts, you are going to rip yourself to bits."

Half of all Victorian road deaths from 2010 to 2014 were in highway speed zones.