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Police patrols ramp up for Melbourne Cup weekend

Police will be out in full force on the roads over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, with a focus on impaired driving, speed, fatigue, distraction offences, seatbelt non-compliance and vulnerable road user safety.

Operation Furlong will run for five days, from 12.01am on Friday to 11.59pm on Tuesday.

Police will be highly visible and enforcing on roads across the state to reduce road trauma and positively influence road user behaviour.

Sergeant Dale McIvor, of Horsham Highway Patrol, said long weekends were high-risk periods on the road, and the Melbourne Cup long weekend was a time when there was typically an increase in road trauma in regional areas.



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Sgt McIvor said Operation Furlong would involve all available personnel from local road policing units and general duties, as well as centralised resources such as State Highway Patrol, Solo Unit, and Heavy Vehicle Unit, among others.

“Police will be deploying to high-risk areas across the state – focusing on major arterials linking Melbourne to popular holiday destinations,” he said.
“The main message over this Melbourne Cup long weekend is to leave the racing to the experts – the horses and riders on the race track

“If you’re heading out on the roads this weekend, whether travelling to regional Victoria or to a Melbourne Cup event – remember, it’s not a race.”

Sgt McIvor said speeding remained the number one cause of serious injury and fatal collisions.

“We’re seeing that play out again in this year’s road trauma,” he said.

“Despite what people may think, it’s not always the high speeds that cause collisions. Even going five to 10 km/h over the speed limit is enough to significantly increase your risk of being in a collision.”

Sgt McIvor said the Melbourne Cup Carnival period was synonymous with events and celebrations, which often resulted in alcohol and drug consumption.

“There will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving over the Melbourne Cup Carnival long weekend, and motorists should expect to be tested while out on the roads,” he said.

“We need everyone to completely separate the behaviours of drinking and driving – they don’t mix.

“If you’re planning to have a drink on Melbourne Cup Day, don’t drive – leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver, and utilise alternative transport.”

Sgt McIvor said police would be targeting speeding and distracted drivers heading out to regional areas on high-risk rural roads and highways.

He reminded drivers to manage fatigue by taking regular breaks on long journeys, and share the driving if possible.

“Motorists towing caravans or trailers should familiarise themselves with the weight and overhang limits, as well as ensuring their vehicle is registered and in a roadworthy condition,” he said.

“Motorists should also allow extra space when travelling near heavy vehicles such as trucks, caravans and trailers. Slow down, be patient if traffic is heavy and be courteous to other motorists.”