Police will begin a four-day blitz, Operation Regal, on the state’s roads on Friday to target speed, fatigue, distraction, seatbelts and alcohol and drugs.

Ballarat Highway Patrol’s Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary said distraction was a fatal factor that affected all drivers, regardless of their skill or experience.

“Although most drivers won’t allow themselves to drink-drive or speed, we are finding distractions will affect all of us,” Senior Sergeant Cleary said. “My request is to drive with care, patience.”

Senior Sergeant Cleary said drivers who did not abide by the law would be treated with zero tolerance.

“All operational officers will make a concerted effort to police the road with the intent to keep trauma at a minimum and our roads safe,” Senior Sergeant Cleary said. “Generally, most motorists adhere to our road rules and listen to advice.

“Unfortunately there are those that don’t and we will focus on them with zero tolerance.”

The blitz is in line with the “Road to Zero – it starts with you” campaign, launched to encourage the community to take ownership of road trauma.

The Victorian road toll stands at 109, six higher than this time last

year.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au