By Callum Godde, AAP
Victoria has officially recorded its worst road toll in 15 years, with a flurry of deaths over the holiday period capping a horror 2023.
Sixteen people lost their lives on Victorian roads between 15 December and 1 January despite a statewide police operation.
It took the total number of road deaths across the state in 2023 to 296, the highest figure since 2008.
More than 310,000 preliminary breath tests and almost 9000 roadside drug tests were carried out by Victoria Police during Operation Roadwise.
Some 668 people were caught drink driving, along with another 535 for drug driving.
In all, 19,386 traffic offences were detected during the 18-day operation, including:
* 7631 speeding offences (5854 for between 10km/h and 25km/h over speed limit)
* 704 unlicensed drivers
* 644 disqualified or suspended drivers
* 921 mobile phone offences
* 374 seatbelt offences
* 1728 unregistered vehicle offences
While most motorists acted responsibly over the Christmas and New Year period, Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the number of offences detected was unacceptable.
“As we enter a new year, we’re appealing to motorists to reflect on their habits behind the wheel, take responsibility for their actions and prioritise their safety, as well as the safety of their passengers and all other road users,” he said on Tuesday.
“We’ll be doing all we can to ensure that we don’t have another year on the roads like we had in 2023.”
