Victoria Police have initiated Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road safety campaign targeting drink and drug driving during the AFL Grand Final long weekend. The operation, which commenced on September 26, 2024, aims to reduce road trauma and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving across Victoria's roads.
- Operation Timeline and Scope:
- Runs from 12:01am Thursday, September 26 to 11:59pm Sunday, September 29, 2024
- Covers the entire state of Victoria, with a focus on major arterials and holiday destinations
- Statistical Background:
- Last year's operation detected 343 drink and drug driving offences from over 115,000 tests
- One in every 529 drivers tested were caught drink driving during the 2023 operation
- Road fatalities in Victoria have reached 211 this year, matching last year's figures
- Contributing Factors to Road Fatalities:
- Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs contributes to at least 25% of fatal collisions
- Speed remains the highest contributing factor to road fatalities
- Expanded Police Presence:
- Increased visibility on roads across the state
- Widespread alcohol and drug testing to be conducted
- Focus on major arterials heading to regional areas and holiday hotspots
- Coinciding Factors:
- Operation coincides with school holidays and an industrial sector RDO
- Increased traffic expected on roads to regional areas and holiday destinations
- Public Awareness and Prevention:
- Victorians urged to plan ahead and use alternative transport
- Emphasis on the risks of miscalculating alcohol consumption
- Reminders about significant penalties for impaired driving
- Safety Recommendations for Travelers:
- Stick to speed limits
- Take regular breaks to manage fatigue
- Avoid distractions when traveling on regional roads
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir, statd: "Alcohol and drugs continue to contribute significantly to serious injury and fatal collisions, and yet it's completely avoidable. The message is clear – alcohol, drugs and driving don't mix, so if you're planning to celebrate over the AFL Grand Final weekend, plan ahead and leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport opt
Victoria Police website offers more information and tips for staying safe on the roads
As Victorians prepare to celebrate the AFL Grand Final and enjoy the long weekend, police are emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior on the roads. Operation Scoreboard represents a comprehensive effort to ensure public safety during a period of increased travel and celebration. With increased police presence, stringent testing measures, and a focus on public awareness, authorities aim to significantly reduce the risk of road trauma and reinforce the message that impaired driving has no place on Victorian roads.
