Police are pleading with motorists, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to slow down ahead of Anzac Day following a shocking 24 hours on the roads.
Two motorcyclists were killed in separate collisions at Upper Ferntree Gully and Cranbourne East, and another was seriously injured at Olinda on Tuesday, April 18.
Early indications suggest speed was a factor in all three collisions.
The fatalities bring this year’s lives lost total to 96, which is 23 per cent higher than last year (78) and almost 30 per cent higher than the five-year average (74).
There have been 16 motorcyclist fatalities so far this year. While this is down on the same time last year (22) police are urging riders not to be complacent.
In an effort to drive down road trauma police will launch Operation Tribute over the Anzac Day period.
With many schools having a curriculum day and the industrial sector taking a rostered day off on Anzac Day eve, police are expecting traffic volumes akin to a long weekend.
Road Policing Command resources, including State Highway Patrol, the Heavy Vehicle Unit, Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and the Public Order Response Team will conduct highly-visible enforcement. Speed and impaired driving will be a focus.
Police intelligence shows drink driving detections were significantly higher on Anzac Day last year compared with regular weekday detections in the same month.
Anyone thinking about getting behind the wheel while alcohol affected is urged to make alternative transport arrangements.
Operation Tribute will commence just after midnight on Friday, April 21.
