Despite a number of speed and drug-related offences committed on Ballarat roads over the long weekend, the area managed to avoid a serious collision.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ballarat Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Stuart Gale said police were "pretty happy" with drivers, but drug use remains a bugbear.
"My overall assessment was behaviour was good, but speeding was still prevalent in our statistics, with drug use still up in detection rates," he said.
"Thankfully we had no serious incidents, but many of our neighbouring areas did which was disturbing."
One man died in an Ararat crash on Friday. Five deaths have occurred on roads in the Golden Plains Shire since the start of the year, with four people dying in Moorabool Shire and one in Hepburn Shire.
Acting Senior Sergeant Gale said when on patrol with Superintendent Jenny Wilson on Monday, they pulled over two separate individuals with drugs detected in their systems, who had committed multiple offences. He said he "still can't believe" the dangers of mixing drugs and driving had not sunk in.
"Since 2013 we've seen the use of drugs overtake alcohol in our crash statistics, and it's just not acceptable."
He said if Ballarat residents are taking advantage of the Anzac Day holiday this week, and are planning to drive, it's necessary to "watch your fatigue and your alcohol consumption" and be courteous on the roads.
"I've seen too much of cars hovering too close to the one in front. Trying to push them along just causes road rage, so give sufficient distance for breaking. Everyone is using the highway this time of year, so let's make sure everyone gets home safe."
Victoria Police will announce driving offence statistics from its long weekend operation at 10am today.