Motorists are being urged to stay in their lane this Melbourne Cup weekend as new data reveals the number of motorists being killed in head-on collisions is on the rise.
Police analysis shows more than 60 per cent of fatalities so far this year resulted from single acts of non-compliance – also referred to as one-off incidences or basic driving errors – rather than extreme driving behaviour.
Notably, there has been a 75 per cent increase in lives lost due to a single act of non-compliance involving a head on collision with another vehicle, with failing to keep left the most common factor.
Head-on fatalities are most frequent during the afternoon from 2:00pm–6:00pm and on rural roads with a speed limit of 100km/h.
Police believe the growing trend indicates motorists are becoming momentarily distracted and drifting into oncoming traffic due to factors such as fatigue, inattention and mobile phone use.
With the number of lives lost on Victorian roads 18 higher than at the same time last year, police are warning motorists to remain alert and cautious behind the wheel this weekend, particularly when travelling on rural roads.
It comes as Victoria Police launches Operation Furlong, a statewide road policing operation taking place over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
From today, motorists can expect to see police highly visible and enforcing across the state’s roads in an effort to reduce road trauma.
There will be a significant focus on major roads heading to areas in regional Victoria, with police on the lookout for speeding and distraction offences.
And motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time for alcohol and drugs, with significant penalties in place for those caught driving while impaired.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir says “Our message to motorists this weekend is simple – stay in your lane and stay alive on the roads.”
