Roads targeted as police out in force over Easter

THREE major road safety campaigns will operate across the Geelong region during the “high risk” Easter and Anzac holiday period.
Police will run operations Soteria and Crossroads while the State Emergency Service will operate Driver Reviver stations around the state.
Police will trial Australia’s first Ranger camera during the 13-day Easter road enforcement campaign.
Police with the portable camera can detect motorists using mobile phones or without seatbelts up to 700 metres away.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said police from Highway Patrol, general duties and specialist areas would saturate Victorian roads.
“History tells us we experience significant trauma on our roads during the Easter holiday break. As a community, we need to do more to reduce the pain and suffering.
“We know that during this time people will be travelling to see family and friends, they will be on unfamiliar roads, driving long distances with distractions in the car. These factors are what result in terrifying collisions.
“My message is plan your trip, take regular rest breaks and stay alert and focused.
“We’ll be doing what we can to ensure that people behave responsibly.
TAC chief Janet Dore said quick fixes like winding down a window or grabbing a drive-through coffee were inadequate to stave off drowsiness.
“If you’re experiencing drowsiness while driving, it means you’re already falling asleep and the only way to avoid falling asleep at the wheel is to pull over and have a powernap.”
Ms Dore urged drowsy drivers to use the Driver Reviver stations as safe locations for 15-minute “powernaps”.
Six people lost their lives on Victorian roads over the past two Easter long weekends, she said.
“We want everyone to reach their destination safely and that means planning your trip and ensuring you have had a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel.”