Police will be out in force enforcing Operation Scoreboard to ensure central Victorians do not become a statistic on the road toll this long weekend.

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In what has been a horror year for Victorians on the road Ballarat Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary said local residents should expect to be subjected to drug and alcohol tests over the weekend as police crack down on factors that contribute to road trauma.

“Our main focus this long weekend will be on safety and targeting those offences we know contribute to road trauma,” Senior Sergeant Cleary said.

“Such as drinking and driving during this festive period. Our major causes of trauma are drugs and alcohol, fatigue, distraction, and speed.”

Senior Sergeant Clearly said it was often these “simple mistakes” such as speeding that led to fatalities.

“We will be enforcing these mistakes and urging everybody to use the roads safety and play their part,” he said.

“If you are going to drink the best choice you can make is that you are not going to drive.

“We wholly support #homesefe and finding alternate ways, that do not involve drinking and driving, to ensure that happens.”

Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner Debra Robertson urged the community to work with police to reduce the number of deaths on our roads.

“Stopping all deaths on our roads is our long term goal but any day where no lives are lost is fantastic,” she said.

“Three people were killed and more than 150 people were injured on Victorian roads during last year’s AFL Grand Final long weekend.

“No matter if you are barracking for the Bulldogs or Swans this weekend, I ask that you enjoy the weekend safely.

“If you plan to drink please plan not to drive, organise a designated driver, use public transport or call a cab.

“Or if you are just planning to use the long weekend for a quick getaway please travel within the speed limit, take regular breaks and most importantly arrive safely.”

The TAC has urged all drivers to completely separate drinking from driving. The Separation campaign encourages Victorians to leave the car at home when drinking – even if they plan to have one or two drinks. The road safety operation will run from Thursday until midnight Sunday.