Victoria Police launches drunk- and drug-driving safety blitz amid rising road toll

Victoria Police is focusing on impaired driving as a part of 20-day operation that starts tomorrow and will aim at keeping motorists safe over the Christmas and New Year period.

From Friday, December 13, Operation Roadwise will see highly visible police across the state’s major roads and arterials conducting widespread alcohol and drug testing on every day for its duration.

Victoria Police says December is the worst month of the year for drink-driving offences, with the highest number of detections recorded and the most collisions involving drivers over the blood alcohol limit.

Road Policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir says police are urging everyone to prioritise road safety.

“The last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse, as a result of road trauma,” he said.

“December is a high-risk period on our roads – we know there is a significant risk associated with impaired driving and we also see an influx of traffic as people head on holidays to regional areas.”

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There have been 273 lives lost on Victorian roads so far this year, slightly down on the 276 figure during the same time last year. Between December 15, 2023 and January 1, 2024, 17 lives were lost.

During last year’s Operation Roadwise, police conducted more than 300,000 preliminary breath tests and nearly 9000 roadside drug tests. Furthermore, 19,000 traffic infringements were issued including 7631 speeding offences.

Motorists are being warned they should expect to be tested anywhere any time, and to separate drinking and driving by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or using alternative transport. Police say they will be particularly active around Victoria’s coastal areas and popular holiday hotspots.

“There will be a significant focus on impaired drivers so motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time and be prepared to face the consequences if you’re caught over the limit,” assistant commissioner Weir said.

“It’s been another devastating year on our roads, and we make no apologies for doing all we can to prevent further serious injuries and deaths.”

Operation Roadwise will run for 20 days, commencing at 12:01am tomorrow and concluding at 11:59pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the road during the festive period, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

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