Victoria Police will be scouring for bad eggs this Easter as part of an annual road operation targeting poor driver behaviour.
Operation Nexus will run across the long weekend in an effort to curb road trauma, however the focus is set to shift slightly with less people on the road due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said officers would still target key causes of trauma such as drink and drug driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction and seatbelt offences.
“We do anticipate less cars on our roads and we expect people to abide by the directions that have been put in place by the Chief Health Officer,” she said.
“However, in line with those directions, we recognise that some travel is essential. While people may not be frequenting their normal holiday destinations and travelling those distances, there is no question there will still be vehicles out and about.
“We’re going through a period where there is undoubtedly angst and stress in our community, and this can play a significant part in concentration lapses.
“It’s important to note that, while the number of lives lost this year currently trails the same time last year, we have seen 18 people killed on our roads since a State of Emergency was declared in Victoria.”
AC Murphy said there was no excuse for drivers to exercise poor behaviour when undergoing essential travel.
“We will still be highly visible and mobile in the community,” she said.
“Let me be clear, while our booze buses remain off the road, preliminary breath tests and drug tests will continue, and anyone who chooses to drink or take drugs and drive will be caught.
“The sad reality is that road trauma creates a ripple effect that stretches far wider than the individual – it hurts families, friends, communities and emergency services.
“We don’t need any extra grief or stress in our community at this already challenging time.”
As part of Operation Nexus, police will also be enforcing directions put in place by the Chief Health Officer designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
This includes ensuring people are only leaving their home for the four approved reasons.
Operation Nexus runs from 12.01am on Thursday 9 April to 11.59pm on Monday 13 April.
