VICTORIA Police have warned drivers thinking of getting behind the wheel under the influence, speeding, or committing other road offences that they will be caught this holiday season.
Northern Grampians Highway Patrol Sergeant Shaun Allen said police will be out in force on Wimmera roads across December 13 to January 5 to reduce the incidence and severity of road trauma during the Christmas and New Year period.
"It's one of the busiest times of year," Sergeant Allen said. "Police will be highly visible during the operation to detect and reduce the main causes of fatal and serious collisions including drug driving, drink driving, distraction, fatigue, and seat belt offences.
"There are more pedestrians around shopping precincts and motorists on the road as people travel interstate. If you choose to take drugs, separate the behaviour from the road and don't get behind the wheel."
The holiday season is already off to a rough state after a hit-and-run killed a cyclist on Thursday morning in Horsham.
The Victorian road toll for 2019 is 260 as at December 20, the highest it has been since 2016.
Of that 260, 131 occurred on rural roads. The age group with the most fatalities is the 70-plus, with 52 fatalities.
The operation involves all available personnel from local road policing units, who will have support from other units as well.
"Take breaks when driving for a long time," Sergeant Allen said.
"We'll be intercepting vehicles, conducting breath and drug tests, checking speeds. If you do the wrong thing, you'll get caught.
"Stay alert, stay sober, stay within the limit and stay alive."
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