Police will be out in force as part of Operation Furlong from Friday to next Tuesday with a focus on speed, fatigue, distractions and drink and drug driving.

Ballarat Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary said the operation was to be held in conjunction with the spring racing carnival.

“Although the centre of the carnival is in Melbourne, people still travel to the venues from Ballarat and surrounds,” he said.

“In particular police will be breath testing at all hours throughout the duration of the carnival.”

He said booze buses would be used in Ballarat during the operation.

The operation follows a horror week of road trauma incidents where five people were killed on Sunday and a

six-year-old girl was killed on the Hume Freeway on Monday.

Senior Sergeant Cleary said it was important motorists were not distracted while driving.

“Although this district’s trauma rates don’t run in line with state trends, we need to our vigilance and

not allow ourselves to become complacent,” Senior Sergeant Cleary said.

“As soon as we drop our guard, it is highly likely trauma rates will increase.

“When you break it down it’s distractions, we have to remain attentive and focused. The smallest mistake can result in tragedy.”

Senior Sergeant Cleary said police were on high alert for law-breakers during the summer months.

“Coming into this period, when weather improves and a lot more people are moving, are traditionally danger periods for us,” he said.

“We want to implore to the community that we will do absolutely everything we can to stop those who choose to flout law and place others at risk of danger.”

There have been eight fatalities in the Ballarat police division since the start of 2014, five less than the same time last year.

However, the statewide road toll is currently at 207 compared to 185 fatalities for the same time last year.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au