Victoria Police figures reveal worst spots for road rage assaults in Victoria
VIOLENT and revved-up drivers are creating a major headache for police across Victoria, with new figures revealing the state’s terrifying road rage attack hotspots. Does your area rank among the worst?
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VIOLENT and revved-up drivers are creating a major headache for police across Victoria, with new figures revealing the state’s worst spots for terrifying road rage attacks.
Between 2013 and 2017, the number of road user violence and “confrontation” offences recorded by police surged to more than 16 per week.
Assault offences have risen year on year in Victoria Police’s southern metro region with Casey, Greater Dandenong and Port Phillip among the worst local government areas for road rage.
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Acting Assistant Commissioner Neville Taylor said most crimes started as minor traffic incidents that exploded into serious attacks.
“We’ve seen a distinct change in driving behaviour over the years where there is a lack of courtesy and respect on the roads,” he said.
“It is often the case that minor incidents escalate into much more serious offending.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing a small number of people who are unable to hold their temper while on the roads.
“However, there is never an excuse for this type of behaviour.”
Mr Taylor said police took road rage crimes seriously and urged motorists to take their time.
“Some of these incidents involve very serious assaults and police investigate them at the appropriate level,” he said.
“At the top end of this offending charges can include negligently cause serious injury, reckless serious injury and intentionally cause serious injury, which can attract prison terms of 10, 15 or 20 years.
“We want to encourage everyone to report all road rage incidents to police so that we can investigate accordingly.”
Assault and related offences were the biggest road rage categories recorded by Victoria Police and have almost doubled since 2013.
RACV safety and education manager Elvira Lazar said people should try not to react to an angry driver.
“If caught up in an incident, don’t get out of your car,” she said. “Head to the nearest police station, it’s safer than driving home and being followed.
“Road rage can be terrifying and pose serious risks to your safety. The RACV encourages drivers to be calm, courteous and respectful of all other road users.”