By Oliver Lees
Victoria has had its worst Easter period on the roads in years, according to Victoria Police data.
More than 9000 traffic offences were recorded during the five-day period as part of Operation Nexus, a statewide police operation targeting speeding, drink and drug driving and mobile phone use.
It was Victoria’s deadliest Easter weekend since 2007 with five roadside fatalities. Victoria Police also found 270 drivers who returned a positive drug test and almost 300 drivers in excess of the legal blood alcohol limit.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner John Fitzpatrick said Victoria had seen a particularly horror time on its roads during the long weekend.
“While we know the reasons between each collision varies, the one message we have remains the same – they are all avoidable,” he said.
“Police can’t be everywhere to enforce this careless behaviour.
“Whether the factor is speed, distraction, inattention, no seat belt, fatigue, or alcohol, road trauma can be avoided.”
In the Hume and Macedon Ranges council areas speeding was the most common offence recorded, with 41 and 58 recorded respectively.
This included one driver who recorded a blood alcohol limit five times the legal limit, after crashing his vehicle on Aitken Boulevard in Craigieburn on April 5.
