Vic road fatalities up 16 per cent

Human error and an increased number of drivers on the road is being blamed for a 16 per cent increase in Victorian road deaths.

Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said even though cars and roads are now safer, human error is behind the "significant" increase.

"We're losing someone every day and a half in Victoria and that's a number we just can't accept," Mr Fryer told 3AW on Monday.

"Our roads are safer, our cars are safer, but people are still making vital mistakes and having fatal consequences."

So far this year, 241 people have died on Victorian roads compared to 215 last year.

He said 45 motorcycle rider deaths were also included in the figures - up 20 from last year.

Two drivers have died over the Melbourne Cup long weekend at Point Cook and Horsham.