Road deaths down

By Lia Bichel
THE amount of fatalities and serious injuries on local roads has drastically decreased in the past three years.
Since then, fatalities and serious injuries have decreased 31 per cent across Cardinia, Greater Dandenong and Casey, Greater Dandenong compared to the period between 2005 and 2007, Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Roberts said.
“It’s a positive. It is a step in the right direction, but it would have been nice to have the number of (fatalities and injuries) at zero,” he said.
“While some people are getting the message, there is no doubt there will always be people who do what they want and are selfish in terms of speeding and talking on the phone while driving.”
Sgt Roberts said he believed there were a number of factors that contributed to the improved traffic statistics.
“We have a good partnership with police in Pakenham, Emerald, Lang Lang, Springvale, Dandenong, Narre Warren, Cranbourne. They all share the vision to drive down the road toll,” he said.
“We have also stepped up our operations in the past while it is more intelligence driven.
“We don’t just have police coverage for no good reason. We know high alcohol risk times and high risk crash times and we ensure there are more police on those particular days and times.”
Sgt Roberts said a stronger police presence have prompted many drivers to modify their behaviour on the roads and warned residents that more police will saturate the roads in the coming months.
“People are aware of our presence and they know if they are doing the wrong thing chances are they will get caught and punished,” he said.
“The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up and we know driver behaviour changes with the season. We will be out there now more than we have been in the last 12 months. If you carry on like a fool- you will be caught.”