Victoria Police Out In Force Through October, Motorcyclists A Focus

Victoria Police will be out in force on the state's roads this month in a bid to halt an increase in October fatalities over the past three years.

In October 2008, 25 deaths were recorded on Victoria's roads. This increased to 28 in October 2009 and again to 36 last year.

“October is the beginning of warmer months and with this we have experienced a significant rise in road trauma in recent years,” Road Policing Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe said.

“Of the 36 deaths last October, 10 were motorcyclists. We know that as the weather heats up motorcyclists are more likely to get out on the bike."

The number of October road injuries has slowly fallen however, from 1737 in 2008, to 1723 in 2009 and 1712 in 2010. 

This month, the state's 100-member strong State Highway Patrol will be conducting Operation Super Ardent in the top eight high-risk Police Service Areas (PSAs).

They will be joined by local police, members from the Operations Response Unit (ORU) and Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section in blitzing the Benalla, Mitchell, Wangaratta, Yarra Ranges, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, Ballarat and Moorabool areas.

Mr Walshe said that riders need to ensure their motorcycles are in good working condition, but speed and risky behaviour are the main concern.

“Other road users must also be aware and drive safety around motorcyclists and bike riders ensuring they are giving them a safe distance.”

“Speed is attributed to about one third of all fatal collisions on our roads. The simplest way to save lives on Victoria’s roads is for everyone to slow down and drive within the limit at a safe speed at all times,” Mr Walshe said.