WHY would anyone ever want to be an emergency service worker in the region this year given the amount of death and destruction we have seen on our roads?
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After three fatalities in 24 hours - one week after four people were killed - police are throwing their hands in the air almost at a loss about what to do with distracted drivers.
It comes as a truck driver was killed after he collided with another truck at Parwan on the Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road at 6.30am on Monday morning.
While investigations are continuing, it is believed one of the drivers of a prime mover lost control of his vehicle and ran off the road, crashing into a shed and was killed. The driver of the other truck involved is assisting police with their inquiries.
It comes after a tragic weekend where a cyclist was killed near Clunes and a 51-year-old motorcyclist died near Mount Mercer.
It now brings Victoria's road toll to 77, up from 53 at the same time last year.
To combat the rise, police are launching Operation Kinetic where more than 300 extra shifts will be assigned over the next 10 weeks, targeting high risk areas including Ballarat and surrounds.
Road Policing Command acting assistant commissioner Neville Taylor said the operation will focus on bad behaviour of road users, which includes drink and drug driving, high speed on rural roads, distraction as well as motorcyclist, pedestrian and cyclist safety.
"Looking at our intelligence we know that different regions are battling different issues that drive up their road trauma," Acting Assistant Commissioner Taylor said. "Enough is enough and action needs to be taken.
"We have seen increased motorist compliance from road rule enforcement, so we will have additional police in the community to make this happen.
"The community can't continue with their current driving habits as it is ultimately killing friends, family, and loved ones. Something needs to change."
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