Victoria Police’s annual “Operation Roadwise” is now underway, targeting road user behaviour right across the state throughout the Christmas and New Year periods.

The operation began last Friday and will run through until Sunday 5th January 2020.

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said that in the lead up to Christmas police would have a particular focus on drink and drug driving.

“Twelve people lost their live on our roads last year during the festive season,” AC Murphy said.

“Many people will be attending parties and other events to celebrate the end of the year, so if you are going to have a few drinks, then make sure you’ve planned how to get home without driving.

“Drug and alcohol testing will be taking place throughout the state and our police will be testing as many motorists and riders as possible to get those who are impaired off our roads.”

Lost lives remembered
Every year a Christmas tree at the Victoria Police Centre in Melbourne is adorned with a bauble for each life lost on Victoria’s roads.

AC Murphy spoke at the unveiling last week, noting that unfortunately there was the need for a bigger tree this year.

At the time of writing, the road toll so far in 2019 is 257, well up from 203 this time last year.

She said that the baubles act as a reminder that real people are behind the rod trauma statistics.

“Everyone who loses their life on our roads is missed by someone, and each of these baubles represents a person who was special to those who knew and loved them.

“It’s a reminder that lives lost on our roads is not about numbers – it’s about real families losing people they love.

“Behind each of these baubles is a story of a family that is grieving for a mum, dad, brother, sister, son or daughter who won’t be coming home this Christmas.”