Victoria Police targeting dangerous and distracted drivers this weekend after spike in road deaths

Victoria Police will be on the look out for distracted and dangerous driving behaviour this weekend after five lives were tragically lost on state roads over the last week.

Two motorcyclists were killed in separate collisions on Friday night in Melbourne’s Docklands and in Cranbourne North, and a further three drivers were involved in fatal single-vehicle crashes between Friday night and Sunday afternoon in Burwood, Healesville, and Congupna.

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The five fatalities bring the number of lives lost on Victorian roads to 142 – which is 17 more deaths than the same time last year and higher than the five-year average of 132.

Police are particularly concerned about the increased risk to motorcyclists, with 31 lives lost this year – a 35 per cent rise on the five-year average of 23.

Pedestrians have accounted for 28 of the total number of deaths this year, which is 13 higher than the same time last year and a 40 per cent increase on the five-year average of 20.

Speed and distraction are among the key factors behind the fatal collisions, with police urging motorists to slow down and remain alert to help protect themselves and other road users.

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“Last weekend was nothing short of tragic – five lives were lost on Victorian roads,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing, Justin Goldsmith.

“We really need people to heed the warnings and think about what you’re doing when you take to the road or get behind the wheel.

“It sounds so simple, but slowing down, remaining alert and being considerate of other road users could really be the difference between saving your life, or someone else’s.

“We’ll do everything we can to reduce the amount of trauma on our roads, but we need all road users to do their bit too. It’s up to all of us.”