Victoria Police is pleading for motorists to care on the roads after 236 lives were lost on the roads in 2021.
The figure was the third lowest since the Transport Accident Commission began keeping records more than 30 years ago but assistant commissioner of road policing Glenn Weir said it was still too high.
“Two hundred and thirty-six is not just a number … these are people whose lives have tragically been cut short with families, friends and loved ones left behind – their lives forever changed. The real loss of these 236 lives is immeasurable,” he said.
“There have been great strides made to improve road safety in recent years, however there are still many people killed or seriously injured on Victorian roads each year.
“As we enter a new year, we cannot stress enough that the onus of road safety is on all of us. Everyone has the ability to make good choices to keep themselves, their passengers and other road users safe.”
Less than a week into 2022 there have already been three deaths on Victorian roads, including a 30-year-old Corio man.
Emergency services were called to School Road, between Princes Highway and Shell Parade in Corio, about 12.35am on New Year’s Day after a badly damaged utility vehicle was discovered.
It is believed the vehicle was travelling east on School Road before rolling into fencing and a tree.
The driver had died prior to emergency services arriving.
Police have called for anyone with information or dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
While Victoria’s road toll in 2021 was lower than the five-year average of 247.8, police are concerned as there were periods of lockdown where traffic volumes on the roads were significantly decreased.
There were 50 road deaths in November and December, after the latest lockdowns across the state were fully lifted.
The 236 deaths was an increase from 211 in 2020.
The TAC data shows 173 of the lives lost were men. The 30-39 and 60-69 age brackets had the most road deaths, with 35 each.
Police said speeding continued to be a leading contributor to fatalities, with excessive or inappropriate speed suspected in about one-fifth of fatal collisions.
There was also an increase in seatbelt non-compliance, with more than 30 people killed on the roads not wearing a seatbelt or restraint.
“We will continue our enforcement efforts to deter and target unlawful road user behaviour, with a focus on intentional high-risk driving, speeding, impaired driving, wearing of seatbelts, distraction and authorised driving,” Mr Weir said.
