Victoria Police is issuing an urgent road safety warning to all motorists, including those in the northern suburbs, as the state enters a high-risk period for death and serious injury.
There were 28 lives lost on Victoria’s roads in September last year, making it the deadliest month for the entire year.
Police said its intelligence shows two thirds of the fatalities recorded last September were vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said it was a particularly bad month for the most vulnerable road users, with motorcyclists making up the majority of those killed.
“Last September was absolutely tragic on our roads, with 28 lives lost marking the worst month of the year and the worst September in 16 years,” he said.
“Now is not the time to be complacent. The number of lives being lost on our roads this year should absolutely be cause for concern for everyone.
“We want everyone to think about not only their own safety but how their decisions and behaviour behind the wheel can impact the safety of others.
“September is a fantastic time of year, it’s the start of spring, footy finals, spring racing… there’s lots to look forward to.
“Let’s ensure it stays that way, we don’t want September to be renowned for road trauma.”
With spring a time when many recreational motorcyclists jump back on their bikes, police are urging all riders to be extra cautious.
Police suspect excessive and inappropriate speed, unauthorised riding, not wearing appropriate protective riding gear and driver behaviour around sharing the road with motorcyclists were key factors in fatal collisions involving motorcyclists.
Police said they are determined to avoid a repeat of last September’s concerning road trauma trend and will prioritise road policing enforcement across the month.
