The Wimmera's 2011 road toll contributed to the statewide toll of 287 deaths, one fewer than in 2010.

Authorities released the final 2011 Victorian road toll on Wednesday, confirming last year's toll was a record low for the fourth consecutive year.

The Wimmera's 2011 road deaths occurred at Brimpaen, Apsley, Moolerr, Serviceton, Dimboola, Pimpinio and Dooen, including double fatalities at Moolerr and Serviceton.

Sergeant Wayne Caddy of Horsham Highway Patrol said the deaths were unnecessary and most could have been avoided.

A majority of the people killed were Wimmera residents travelling on roads familiar to them.

"Who would have thought we would have three fatalities in the lead up to Christmas?" Sgt Caddy said.

"We were travelling well before December, but any road death is a tragedy.

"It would have been a bad Christmas for three families.

"A lot of other people would have been affected as well; all the volunteers from the SES, CFA and ambulance service."

Sgt Caddy said most deaths were due to bad decisions made by people at the time.

"If people took more care and responsibility for their actions, there wouldn't be so many families and friends mourning," he said.

"There's only so much police can do."

Victoria's 2011 toll included 158 deaths on country roads, down from 163 in 2010.

Heavy vehicles were involved in 38 fatal collisions, 15 per cent; a decrease of 21 per cent from 2010.

But the Transport Accident Commission warned of a 'shocking' start to 2012, with 30 road deaths in January.

At the same time last year, 19 people had died on Victorian roads.

This year's toll includes 17 deaths on regional or rural roads, a 55 per cent increase on the same time in 2011.

At least 21 of this year's deaths occurred on roads with speed limits between 80 and 110 kilometres an hour.

Victoria Police announced it would target speed, alcohol, drugs and vulnerable road users in 2012.

Statistics show speed is a major contributing factor in about 20 per cent of fatal collisions, while alcohol is a cause in about 14 per cent of fatal collisions.

Wimmera police advised drivers to be aware of reduced speed limit zones near schools, as the school year resumed.