Geelong Police are urging local motorists to remain alert over the Easter break as the state faces its worst start to a year with road death numbers in a decade.
Thirty-six more people have lost their lives across Victorian roads compared to this time last year, bringing the overall road toll to 94 – the highest since 2008.
Four people have died on Geelong roads since January, one more than the same time last year according to Transport Accident Commission data.
Geelong Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Gary Wilson has urged local road users to take more care.
“Fortunately we haven’t had that same significant spike in Geelong compared to state-wide figures,” he said.
“But anytime there is a long break we get increased traffic in the area and because of that there is an increased risk on our roads.
“Motorists need to be aware that there will be more people coming into the area that may not be familiar of our roads.
“We ask locals to take their time, plan their trip and be mindful not everyone will know the road as they do.”
The Highway Patrol boss said there will be “increased policy activity” on Geelong and Surf Coast roads this Easter break to combat the rising road trauma.
“Easter is a rather busy, high-risk time on our roads,” Sen-Sgt Wilson said.
“There is a state-wide traffic operation that runs through the Easter period and Geelong and the Surf Coast are supporting that.”
Sen-Sgt Wilson said drink-driving remains a significant issue and pleaded with motorists to rethink their on-road behaviours.
“While we encourage people to have a good time we also urge people to use designated drivers, taxi services and ride sharing options,” he said.
“When we use the roads we have a responsibility to use it properly to stay safe.
“Road accidents have an impact on everybody.”
The horror start to 2019 comes despite Victoria last year recording its lowest annual road toll since records began.
