Motorists are being urged to stay in their lane this Melbourne Cup weekend as new data reveals the number of motorists being killed in head-on collisions is on the rise.
Police analysis shows more than 60 per cent of fatalities so far this year resulted from single acts of non-compliance - also referred to as one-off incidences or basic driving errors - rather than extreme driving behaviour.
Notably, there has been a 75 per cent increase in lives lost due to a single act of non-compliance involving a head on collision with another vehicle, with failing to keep left the most common factor.
Head-on fatalities are most frequent during the afternoon from 2pm-6pm and on rural roads with a speed limit of 100km/h.
Police believe the growing trend indicates motorists are becoming momentarily distracted and drifting into oncoming traffic due to factors such as fatigue, inattention and mobile phone use.
With the number of lives lost on Victorian roads 18 higher than at the same time last year, police are warning motorists to remain alert and cautious behind the wheel this weekend, particularly when travelling on rural roads.
It comes as Victoria Police launches Operation Furlong, a statewide road policing operation taking place over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
From Friday, motorists can expect to see police highly visible and enforcing across the state's roads in an effort to reduce road trauma.
There will be a significant focus on major roads heading to areas in regional Victoria, with police on the lookout for speeding and distraction offences.
Motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time for alcohol and drugs, with significant penalties in place for those caught driving while impaired.
Last month, police detected more than 5000 traffic offences during the four-day Operation Scoreboard enforcement period over the AFL Grand Final long weekend, including 2179 speeding offences, 192 drink driving offences, 146 mobile phone offences and 138 drug driving offences.
Police are urging those heading to events this weekend to plan ahead and use public transport or rideshare services.
Victorians travelling to regional areas should allow plenty of extra travel time, stick to the speed limit, avoid distractions behind the wheel and take plenty of breaks to prevent fatigue.
Operation Furlong commences at 12:01am on Friday 31 October and concludes at 11:59pm on Tuesday 4 November.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir:
"There has been a significant increase in the number of head-on collisions this year resulting in lives lost on our roads.
"With the majority of these a result of failing to keep left, this indicates motorists are becoming momentarily distracted and then drifting into oncoming traffic.
"We believe fatigue, inattention or distraction from mobile phone use behind the wheel are likely contributing to these deadly head-on collisions, and it's all completely avoidable.
"As we head into another long weekend, we're pleading with all motorists to remain alert and cautious behind the wheel, especially on longer journeys and when travelling on rural roads.
"During Operation Furlong you can expect to see police highly visible across the state's roads - we'll be on the lookout for those who choose to speed or drive distracted and we'll also be conducting widespread drug and alcohol testing.
"Our message to motorists this weekend is simple - stay in your lane and stay alive on the roads."
