Victoria Police will be executing their game plan this coming grand final long weekend and ask the community to consider theirs as police officers focus on road safety statewide.

With the magpies and eagles set to swoop and soar, police will be playing their own ball game removing unauthorised, alcohol and drug impaired drivers from the road.

Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Neville Taylor said the long weekend was a great time for families and friends to get together but it was also a time of increased vulnerability and risk on the roads.

“We want people to go out and have a great time, to enjoy the sportsmanship, celebrations and commiserations of what the grand final brings, but most importantly we want everyone using our roads to be safe,” A/AC Taylor said.

“I want everyone to consider their own game plan. How are you going to get to and from an event? Plan ahead, ride share, taxi or use public transport and if you are going to drink just don’t drive.

“Make your decision now.

“We’re expecting our rural roads will see an influx of traffic with our interstate eagles fans driving a long way to support their team, we urge all drivers to take regular breaks, take it easy on any unfamiliar roads and to drive to the conditions.”

Last year during the four-day operation police detected:
  • 261 drink drivers
  • 162 drug test offences
  • 395 motorists using their mobile phone
  • 2253 speeding offences
  • 684 unregistered vehicles
  • 291 unlicensed drivers

“When looking at the above figures I’m very mindful of our vulnerable road users,” A/AC Taylor said.

“Driving impaired, distracted, speeding or while unauthorised is a recipe for disaster we all want to avoid and heightens the risks for our most vulnerable

“Twenty seven pedestrians have lost their lives on the roads this year compared to 20 last year. This highlights our concerns and the importance of being vigilant in our built up areas where traffic and our most vulnerable converge.

“Pedestrians on the streets making their way to and from entertainment precincts should look out for one another and be mindful of traffic around them.

“It’s up to everyone; cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and motorists going about their everyday lives to take care,” A/AC Taylor said.

All members will be focused on the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries over the four day operation; excessive speed, driver distraction, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and impaired driving.

The priority police service areas (PSAs) identified for the weekend include Geelong and Surf Coast, Melbourne, Casey and Bass Coast.

Specific tasking following intelligence assessments will see the State Highway Patrol, Solo Unit, Heavy Vehicle Unit, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section (RPDAS) and the Operations Response Unit deployed where needed throughout the state in support of the regions.

Last year sadly one life was lost over the weekend, with a 23-year-old man killed after a car crashed into a pole in Seaford,” A/AC Taylor said.

“I refuse to accept that road trauma is just what happens on the roads. Let’s all keep an eye out for one another and make it beyond the final siren.”

Operation Scoreboard will run statewide from 12.01 am Thursday 27 September to 11.59 pm Sunday 30 September, 2018.