Overview
- Police cite fatigue, inattention and mobile phone distraction as likely factors behind a surge in head-on collisions caused by drivers drifting out of their lane.
- Victoria’s road toll stands at 244 this year, up 18 on the same point in 2024 and above the five-year average of 205, according to the TAC.
- Analysis shows more than 60% of fatalities involve a single basic error rather than extreme driving behavior, often failing to keep left.
- Crashes are most common between 2pm and 6pm on 100 km/h regional roads, shaping where and when patrols will concentrate.
- Operation Furlong runs from early Friday through late Tuesday, with visible speed enforcement plus widespread alcohol and drug testing after more than 5,000 offences were detected over the AFL grand final long weekend.