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Almost 34,000 traffic offences detected by police during Operation Roadwise

More Victorians were caught drug driving than drink driving over the holiday period this year, as police record almost 34,000 traffic offences during Operation Roadwise.

Annual road toll down across several states

More people were caught drug driving than drink driving during the holiday period this year.

Almost 34,000 traffic offences were detected by police during 24 days of Operation Roadwise — about one offence per minute.

Twelve lives were tragically lost on Victorian roads during the Christmas/New Year period, down from 25 deaths in 2017/18.

VICTORIA SET FOR LOWEST DEATH TOLL SINCE RECORDS BEGAN

DEADLIEST RURAL ROAD IN VICTORIA NAMED

THE DEADLIEST TIME TO BE ON VICTORIAN ROADS

Almost 34,000 traffic offences were detected by police during Operation Roadwise. Picture: iStock
Almost 34,000 traffic offences were detected by police during Operation Roadwise. Picture: iStock

From 14 December to 6 January officers dedicated more than 113,000 hours to road policing state wide, focusing on speed, distraction, fatigue and other dangerous behaviours.

A total of 33,829 traffic offences were detected across Operation Roadwise including:

— 12,050 speeding offences

— 1883 mobile phone offences

— 892 drink drive offences

— 920 drug drive offences

— 841 disqualified/suspended drivers

— 1109 seat belt offences

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said the high number of people offending was concerning.

“There were large numbers of people engaging in behaviour that could cost lives or cause serious injuries,” Commissioner Leane said.

“These results show that although Victoria had a record low number of lives lost … we can’t afford to be complacent about road safety.”

“We all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and others safe, and I encourage everyone who’s using our roads to think carefully about what they can do to keep themselves and others safe.”

214 people died on Victorian roads in 2018 — the lowest road toll since records began.

genevieve.alsion@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/almost-34000-traffic-offences-detected-by-police-during-operation-roadwise/news-story/bc1ed85aa70d2d57a4b95174169823f1