Drunk, drugged drivers caught daily in Summer Stay road campaign
MORE than 60 drunk and drugged drivers a day were allegedly caught on Victoria’s roads over the festive period.
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MORE than 60 drunk and drugged drivers a day were allegedly caught on Victoria’s roads over the festive period.
Statistics released today by police show an alarming 2553 drink drivers — 182 more than the previous year — were among almost 80,000 traffic offences detected by police throughout its 52-day Summer Stay road safety campaign.
A further 816 motorists were found to be under the influence of drugs.
Police also booked 5621 drivers for using their mobile phone while behind the wheel and 2910 people were fined for seatbelt offences.
Despite police warning Victorians they would saturate roads over the holiday period and that motorists would be caught “anywhere at anytime”, a staggering 27,651 leadfoot drivers were still clocked speeding.
The use of the force's automatic numberplate recognition cameras and BlueNet cars also resulted in the detection of 2487 motorists behind the wheel on a disqualified or suspended licence and 8650 unregistered vehicles, police said.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill praised the Summer Stay campaign for its efforts to take off so many dangerous drivers from our roads.
“However there are still far too many people putting their life and the lives of others at risk,” Mr Hill said.
He said, sadly, 33 people lost their lives on our roads during the crackdown.
“That’s 10 less than last year but still 33 too many,” Mr Hill said.
The campaign, which urged Victorians to stay safe and stay alive during the high-risk holiday period, ran from November 14 to January 4.
Police conducted 1.2 million breath tests and more than 12,000 drug tests during the Christmas blitz, an increase of 15 and 67 per cent respectively from the previous year.
Mr Hill said while the campaign has finished the road safety message stays the same: “If everyone stays alert, sober, and within the speed limit then we will take a major step towards our goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on the road.
“I urge all Victorians to remember their loved ones each time they get in their car, on their bike or go for a walk or run.
“Please pay attention to your surroundings, look out for other road users and make sure you arrive at your destination safely.”
rebekah.cavanagh@news.com.au
@rebekahcavanagh