Ballarat Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary said all available police units would be enforcing Operation Amity from Wednesday until Sunday. 

This period, which includes Australia Day, is the last weekend of the school holidays and police expect high traffic volumes. 

Senior Sergeant Cleary has urged drivers to remember fatigue and distraction can be killers on the roads.

He said drivers should swap with another driver if tired and should take advantage of rest stops. 

“Many people travel to different destinations and we are asking people to take distance  into consideration and to prepare for long trips – to use rest spots, to have adequate rests,” Senior Sergeant Cleary said.

“I don’t think people fully realise the danger of fatigue. Fatigue and distraction are continually among the biggest contributors to trauma in our region.

“We underestimate how big a part fatigue plays in our trauma. It is something that can effect all of us.” 

Police will set up booze buses and drug test sites throughout the region, including smaller towns.

There will be a large number of drug testing units near the Rainbow Serpent Festival near Lexton that is expected to attract large crowds. 

Senior Sergeant Cleary said police would be patrolling all roads, including back roads, and all drivers should be expected to be tested for driving with drugs and alcohol in their system.