WIMMERA police will take part in a state-wide operation emphasising road safety over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Saturday, police will kick off Operation Regal, a four-day blitz on the state’s roads targeting the five fatal factors – speed, fatigue, distraction, seatbelts and alcohol-drug driving.
Horsham Highway Patrol Sergeant John McTaggart said from Friday until midnight on Monday, all available police units would target drink-driving and speeding.
“Our message to people is if you take the risk of speeding you’ll be caught,” he said.
“Everybody intercepted will be given a preliminary breath test.
“Those who indicate they might be influenced by illicit substances will be given an oral fluid test.”
Sgt McTaggart urged people driving long distances at the weekend to make sure they took breaks or changed drivers every two hours.
“Don’t drive when you’d normally be asleep – at 4am or 5am – it’s dangerous,” he said.
He also warned drivers to take care between 1pm and 4pm as it was another common time for fatigue, which caused crashes.
Sgt McTaggart said it was essential for drivers to make sure their cars were in good mechanical order.
He also warned drivers to make sure vehicles were free from distractions.