Vic road carnage is avoidable: police

Simple mistakes, speed and booze are the likely to blame for a horror week on Victorian roads, police say.

A fiery double fatality at Mt Moriac on Sunday was the latest in a string of deadly crashes, with 12 people killed in just six days.

Superintendent Neville Taylor says inattention, such as failing to give way, contributed to the accidents but early investigations suggested high speed and alcohol were also factors in some crashes.

"What I can say, sadly, when we look at the last six days, is that many people are making a simple mistake that they might otherwise receive a fine for but they're paying for it with their life," he told reporters on Sunday.

"They are paying the ultimate fine."

He said sudden spikes in fatalities happened from time to time, but it was a deadly reminder for motorists to take responsibility.

The year's road toll stands at 234, up 21 on the same time last year.

Supt Taylor said the toll was less than last year's total 243, which was a record low for the state, but appealed to motorists to keep the numbers down.

"Don't think this is just a police responsibility," he said.

Police in November launched the Summer Stay campaign in a bid to curb carnage during the festive season, with 370,000 motorists breathtested over the last two weeks and less than 10 per cent returning a positive reading.

Supt Taylor said police would be out in force during the festive season, a notoriously dangerous time on the roads.