The siren might be sounding on another footy season but police aren't dropping the ball when it comes to road safety.
While AFL fans state-wide will be gearing up for Saturday's clash between Richmond and Greater Western Sydney, officers will be working around the clock this Grand Final long weekend to prevent road trauma as part of Operation Scoreboard.
As part of the state-wide operation, police will be cracking down heavily on driver impairment, particularly drink and drug driving.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said public holidays typically led to increased risk and vulnerability on the roads, and urged people to think twice before they get behind the wheel.
"The Grand Final weekend is one Victorians love to celebrate but it can take a split second for a poor decision to turn to tragedy," AC Leane said.
"Too often we see the irreversible consequences of drink and drug driving and the ripple effect that can have on families, friends and loved ones.
"We've already seen far too many lives lost this year.
"The choice is simple - if you choose to drink or take drugs, don't drive."
Three people sadly lost their lives across the weekend last year during the operation, which also saw police detect:
• 170 disqualified/suspended drivers
• 250 unlicensed drivers
• 675 unregistered vehicles
• 2559 speeding offences
• 507 mobile phone offences
• 523 disobey signs/signals
• 58 vehicle impounds
• 227 seat belt offences
"We want fans to enjoy the weekend safely and responsibly," AC Leane said.
"That means taking public transport, hailing a taxi or designating a responsible driver if you're planning to drink."
As well as drugs and alcohol, police will target other key causes of road trauma including speed, distraction, mobile phone use, seatbelt offences and driver fatigue.
"Motorists can expect a visible police presence across the state so be warned, you will be caught," AC Leane said.
"We don't want that one day in September to be remembered for all the wrong reasons."
Operation Scoreboard runs from 12.01am on Thursday 26 September to 11.59pm on Sunday 29 September.
