Victoria Police target drunk, drugged and dangerous drivers in Christmas holiday blitz

Victoria Police has revealed some of the most dangerous drivers caught by authorities 12-days into its holiday blitz, including a P-plater accused of travelling 193km/h in a 100km/h zone.

Motorists driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and those travelling at excessive speeds are being targeted by police during Operation Roadwise. Picture: Ian Currie

Authorities are shocked at the number of drunk and drug drivers taking to the state’s roads despite numerous warnings of an increased police presence over the holiday period.

More than 100 drink drivers have already been detected since the force’s Operation Roadwise blitz got underway on December 13.

Motorists travelling at excessive speeds have also been targeted with one P-plater allegedly clocked driving his Commodore at 193km/h in a 100km/h zone on Christmas Eve.

Police also conducted a blitz throughout Cardinia last week where eight drivers were detected to be driving over the legal blood alcohol limit.

All eight of those caught exceeded readings of 0.085.

More than 100 drink drivers have been caught in the first 12 days of Operation Roadwise. Picture: Ian Currie

The state government will on Boxing Day announce more than $1.1bn worth of funding until 2028 to upgrade and maintain more than 100 high-risk crash sites across Victoria.

The Road Safety Action Plan will deliver a further $350m in road upgrades, new safety barriers, mobile phone, speed, red light and seat belt cameras.

Nearly 280 lives have been lost on the state’s roads this year after 2023 recorded 295 deaths on the road, rising to the highest number since 2008.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said there were a number of critical factors relating to the dire road toll over the past two years.

She said excessive speed and running red lights contribute to about 30 per cent of all fatal crashes.

“Road trauma is a complex challenge and sadly the contributing factors are not new – speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, drink and drug driving, driving while distracted or fatigued and less safe older cars,” she said.

“By investing in safer infrastructure and targeting high-risk behaviours, this plan builds on our record investment in road safety in order to save lives, reduce injuries, and prevent crashes before they happen.”