An alarming number of drivers across the region continue to break the road rules.
The recent statewide policing Operation Tribute saw 51 speedsters caught in the Bendigo area as well as one drunk driver, and two drug drivers.
Statewide, police detected 6,857 traffic offences during the operation.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir, says “There is a clear lack of regard for the rules despite our continuous warnings that police will be out enforcing during high-risk periods – almost 7,000 offences detected over five days is disappointing.
“Of particular concern is the high number of people we are catching who should not be behind the wheel – these individuals show a blatant disregard for the road rules and to the safety of all other road users.”
In the Bendigo region, four disqualified drivers, five unlicensed drivers, and 11 unregistered vehicles were detected during the operation. Three cars were also impounded.
“The number of people fined for things that are so easily avoidable, like using a mobile phone or failing to wear a seatbelt, also remains baffling to us,” Assistant Commissioner Weir says.
“Police will continue to be out enforcing anywhere, anytime, so if you’re think you won’t be caught doing the wrong thing, there’s a good chance we’ll catch up with you”.
The top three risks taken on roads, identified by a recent national survey, include speeding, driving fatigued, and using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
Russell White from the Australian Road Safety Foundation urges local road users to help turn things around.
