General News
10 May, 2022
Police wary of growing trend
POLICE have noticed an alarming uptick in collisions across the Corangamite Shire.
POLICE have noticed an alarming uptick in collisions across the Corangamite Shire.
Cobden Police Sergeant Craig Jenkins said with community sports and events returning post COVID restrictions police expect to see more people spending more time on roads across Corangamite.
“People need to be mindful they drive to conditions in a safe and prudent matter,”he said.
“The weather is always changing at the minute which always leads to ever changing road conditions and we, as drivers, need to adapt accordingly."
“Remember while speed limits are in place, just because a road sign says 100km, it doesn’t mean you have to do 100km."
“Please use your good judgement and common sense.”
Sgt Jenkins said data indicates people are two to three times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on a country road compared to the metropolitan areas.
“This is because country Victorians travel far higher speeds and for longer times,” he said.
Major factors in collisions included:
• Distraction;
• Fatigue;
• Impaired driving; and
• Speed.
Sgt Jenkis said accidents involving drivers running off the roads were most commonly associated with distraction, speed and fatigue.
“Being impaired by fatigue, alcohol or substances can slow down reactions or distort your perception of speed and distance as well as reducing your concentration,” he said.
"Speed is the number one contributor toroad trauma.”
Sgt Jenkins had a stern warning for drivers flaunting the laws.
“Victoria Police’s main priority is prevention,” he said.
“I don’t want to be issuing infringements, but if people break the law we have no choice but to hold them to account."
“We need people to go back to basics which means slowing down, buckling up, don’t drive while impaired, leave your phone alone, be aware of your surroundings and drive safely to the conditions.”