Victoria on track for more than 300 road deaths for first time since 2008

Victoria is facing its deadliest year on the roads since 2008, with fatalities on rural roads pushing the state towards 300 fatalities.

Single-vehicle fatalities on rural roads are a major concern for Victoria Police. Picture: David Crosling

Victoria is set to eclipse a 15-year record if current road fatality patterns continue with the state on track for 300 deaths in 2023.

The Herald Sun understands Victoria Police projections show the state is likely to surpass that figure for the first time since 2008.

While pedestrian and ­motorcyclist deaths have stabilised after a spike last year, a rise in single-vehicle fatalities on regional and rural roads is a major concern for the force.

The news comes ahead of the Easter long weekend, traditionally one of the worst periods on Victorian roads.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir, of the road policing command, said officers would saturate major arterials as part of Operation Nexus.

“We know driving behaviour is impacted by that highly visible police presence,” he said.

Police would use mobile speed cameras to catch illegal activity.

“We will make sure the cameras are positioned either side of police visibility,” Mr Weir said.

“People might see a police car but that won’t be the end of it. We will be increasing the bubble.”

Victoria Police projections show the state is likely to surpass 300 road deaths. Picture: Ian Currie

He would not comment on the projections, saying police were focused on the job at hand.

Officers will target roads to Easter hot spots including routes to Wangaratta, Bright, the Bellarine Peninsula and East Gippsland.

Norma Wolfe lost her 29-year-old son Aaron in a single-car collision at Whoorel, near Colac, on April 3, 2021.

Aaron had been shopping for Easter eggs and was driving a car with two friends when he lost control of the vehicle.

It rolled on to its roof and he was killed.

“It’s absolutely devastating to lose a child in a road accident,” Ms Wolfe said.

“The last text message I got from him was ‘I love you Mum’. Then the police were knocking on the door. It was just so out of the blue – totally unexpected.”

Ms Wolfe said two years after her son’s death her family was still grieving.

“Aaron’s death has left a massive hole in the family,” she said.

“It is constant pain. You think it gets better but it doesn’t.

“We don’t celebrate major holidays anymore because a major part of the family is gone.”

Her message ahead of the long weekend: “Be aware of what’s going on around you. If you have to slow down, five minutes isn’t going to make a huge difference. Be safe ­because once you’re gone, we can’t get you back.”

A total of 86 people have lost their lives in 2023, compared to 65 this time last year – up 32 per cent.

In January, 37 people died on Victorian roads.

“That is the highest number in any one month that anyone can remember; it is completely unacceptable,” Mr Weir said.

“It was so devastating to see that level of trauma that played out in one month.”