Be safe and smart on the roads this Easter

Victoria Police has announced Operation Compass - focused on road safety this Easter long weekend

The message to motorists is drive safely, plan ahead, take regular breaks and get everyone home safely.

As part of Operation Compass, Victoria Police said its officers will be out in force to ensure there’s nobody behind the wheel putting other road users at risk.

Running from April 14-18 and again over the Anzac Day long weekend, the operation will target speeding, drug and drink driving, fatigue and irresponsible behaviour such as mobile phone use.

Local police officers will be supported by specialist resources including highway patrol, heavy vehicle units, solo-unit motorcycles and the operations response unit.

Booze and drug buses will be deployed across both metropolitan and regional Victoria throughout the Easter long weekend – targeting holiday hot spots, regional highways and popular city roads.

Last year’s operation detected 3956 speeding offences, 297 drink drivers, 273 drug drivers, 346 drivers using their mobile phone and 222 disqualified or suspended drivers.

In addition to Operation Compass, Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will operate ’Pause Stops’, which will be set up for motorists to take a break when travelling along major regional roads.

The government said fatigue remains a major issue on Victoria’s roads, contributing to about 20 per cent of fatalities.

The TAC recently launched a new social media campaign addressing the number of Victorians dying on the roads due to simple errors and complacency, which are both common risks during busy periods with people traveling longer distances.

The Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) Driver Reviver Program will see 30 sites operating across the state, where drivers and their families will be greeted by volunteers offering a free cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, and most importantly, the chance to stop and rest before hitting the road again.