Photo: stock
Driver behaviour and motorcyclists in regional areas remain Victoria Police’s biggest concerns after a horrific start to the year’s road toll.
Police figures released in the first week of February show 38 deaths in the first 37 days of the year, a 35 per cent increase on 28 deaths in the same time last year.
January recorded 36 deaths, the highest monthly death toll since 2001, with 23 on regional roads compared to 13 recorded at the same time last year.
There were 10 motorcycle rider deaths this year, seven of them on regional roads.
Victoria Police’s Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir says they are “appalled” by the deaths.
“The increase in regional fatalities is of particular concern to us.
“Last year we saw a significant rise in road trauma involving motorcyclists, and worryingly that trend has continued into this year,” she says.
“Early indications suggest driver behaviour and driver error is largely contributing to these fatalities.
“Many people are quick to blame road conditions and other factors, but the simple fact is many of the deaths are occurring close to where people live on roads known to them, complacency is a real issue.”
She points out that it will take more than police to find a way to bring the toll down.
“We know a visible police presence deters poor or careless driving; while we will make every effort to be highly visible and enforcing across the state, we can’t just enforce our way out of this,” Weir says.
“All road users need to realise this is a problem that requires immediate attention, due care and commitment – it’s up to all of us to be more alert and prioritise safety when getting behind the wheel.”
Weir also spoke out against driver or rider complacency.
“Now is not the time to be complacent – if we can’t turn around this rising road trauma trend then we can expect to see this spike continue into the remainder of 2025,”
TRENDS
Western Victoria: 14 deaths to date with five in the south-west district (Macarthur, Woolsthorpe, Coleraine and two at Princetown) and five in the Ballarat/Moorabool districts (She Oaks, Avoca, Pitfield and two at Wendouree).
Eastern Victoria: nine deaths to date with five in the northeast (Creightons Creek, Goughs Bay, Clobinane, Bowman’s Forest and Bethanga) and four in the east (Ripplebrook, Jacob Creek, Mount Eccles and Cobbannah).
Provisional police analysis suggests 23 of 37 fatal collisions were within 20km of the deceased person’s home and 11 lived in regional areas.
Police say driver behaviour and driving errors, including excessive or inappropriate speed, unsafe overtaking, illegal u-turns, failing to stop or give way, fatigue and distraction were major factors in these fatal collisions.
Police intelligence shows road conditions are not contributing to the significant rise in road trauma this year.
