Police launch Operation Argus to put brakes on road trauma

The soaring number of lives tragically lost on Victorian roads this year has prompted an additional state-wide police operation targeting the key causes of road trauma.

Police will be out and about this weekend as part of Operation Argus, a road policing operation set up in direct response to the 192 people who have died on our roads in 2019.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said officers would be highly visible across the state targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt offences and driver distraction.

There will also be a strong focus on country roads, where the increase in lives lost has predominantly occurred.

“So far this year we have seen 192 families experience the heartbreak of a loved one not returning home,” AC Leane said.

“Road trauma doesn’t discriminate and we have seen that time and time again – we just can’t afford to take gambles on the road.

“We’re taking road safety seriously and we need Victorian motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to do the same.”

AC Leane said there would also be a heavy emphasis on motorcycle safety, with many preferring two wheels to four as the weather heats up.

“As we head into spring we expect riders to start getting their bikes out the garage and making the most of the warmer weather,” AC Leane said.

“We don’t want to see a repeat of the beginning of the year, where too many people never finished their ride.

“If a motorcyclist leaves the road, they don’t stand much of a chance. Sadly we have already seen more riders die on our roads this year than the whole of 2018.”

Operation Argus runs from 12.01am Thursday 5 September to 11.59 pm Sunday 8 September.

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