Operation Furlong will focus on risky behaviours such as speed, drink driving, fatigue and mobile phone use.

Locally, Ballarat Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Ben Young said there will be an added emphasis on drug affected drivers following a number of these drivers caught on the roads  across the grand final weekend.

“Historically (Melbourne Cup weekend) has been a dangerous time on our roads and has featured within our road toll previously,” he said.

“We’re hoping to do whatever we can so that it doesn’t feature this year.”

Highway Patrol and the CFA will also display a car involved in a fatal road accident throughout the weekend.

“The idea is to hit people fairly hard and promote conversation about road trauma and the effect it has on the community,” Acting Senior Sergeant Young said.

“We’ve had three fatalities in the last week, so it’s vitally important for people to take on board these messages.”