End the carnage: Faces of lives lost on Geelong, Surf Coast roads in 2024

Eleven people have died on roads across Geelong and the Surf Coast this year as local police send a strong message urging drivers to be extra vigilant this festive season.

Eleven people have lost their lives on Geelong roads this year including Kylie Doak, Mia Rossiter, Cameron Trevena and Tania Coad.

Eleven local families will be missing a loved one at their Christmas dinner table this festive season after their life was cut short due to carnage on our roads.

The number of people who have died on our roads across Geelong and the Surf Coast this year is almost one every month.

They include 12-year-old girl Mia Rossiter died on January 3 after a car, allegedly being driven erratically by Jordan Kenyon, smashed into her family’s vehicle near Stonehaven.

Mr Kenyon will stand trial over the deadly smash, which left Mia’s mother, father and younger sister in hospital.

Deans Marsh mother Kylie Doak died on March 9 after two vehicles collided on Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Rd in Winchelsea.

Mount Duneed man Darren Kirwood was charged over the crash and will front court again in February.

A horror double fatality claimed the lives of Cameron Trevena, 23, from Moriac and Owen MacKenzie, 59, from Winchelsea after their cars collided head-on on Cape Otway Rd on July 8.

A tragic night on November 16 claimed two lives.

Mandy McDonald died after a collision on the Geelong Ring Road near Lara and George Edmiston was killed after a crash on Meredith-Mount Mercer Rd near Meredith.

There have been 271 lives lost on Victorian roads so far in 2024, compared to 274 at the same time last year.

Western division 1 tasking and coordination Inspector Matt Trask said it had been a terrible year on roads locally and across Victoria.

“More than half of this year’s fatal collisions occurred on rural and regional roads,” he said.

“It’s important we all prioritise safety every time we get behind the wheel.”

Western division 1 tasking and coordination Inspector Matt Trask. Picture: Brad Fleet

Inspector Trask, who has been with the force for 24 years, said festive celebrations often led to alcohol and drug usage.

“We need everyone to completely separate drinking and driving because they don’t mix,” he said.

“If you have a designated driver that is not drinking or taking drugs, that is the perfect scenario for us.

“Don’t even consider getting behind the wheel if you’re having a drink.”

Transport Accident Commission head of road safety Samantha Cockfield said the key to a safe festive season was to plan ahead.

“We’re asking all Victorians to make this a quiet festive season for our emergency service workers,” she said.

“Make sure you’re well rested before heading off.

“Don’t drive at times when you would be usually sleeping, take frequent breaks and allow plenty of travel time.”

Ambulance Victoria Barwon South West regional director Jerome Peyton said paramedics regularly saw the devastating impacts of road trauma and were often called to crashes that could have been avoided.

“These incidents don’t just affect those involved but also have a major impact on families, the community and the paramedics and first responders who attend these cases,” he said.

“The roadside is also often a paramedic’s workplace so when you see us stopped by the side of the road please slow to pass at 40km per hour, if safe to do so.”

Victoria Police’s Operation Roadwise will begin this Friday and run until January 1.

The road blitz will target drink, drug, speeding, and fatigued and distracted drivers.

Originally published as End the carnage: Faces of lives lost on Geelong, Surf Coast roads in 2024