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Thursday, 10 December, 2020
Drug drivers rife By Mitchell Clarke
File image of Highway Patrol Senior Constable Jeremy White and Senior Constable Peter Forsyth. 193899
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difference between you making it on time to your destination, or never making it at all - it’s a no brainer. “People are starting to drive both distances and speeds they are not familiar with, which carries its own risk. But the thought of people then throwing in alcohol, drugs or distraction into the mix is a deadly combination.” Since 1989
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A three-weekend police operation, which ended in late November, has uncovered a staggering number of drug drivers on Cardinia Shire roads. Almost 50 drug drivers were nabbed locally by police during the 15 day Operation Compass, which aimed to influence bad driver behaviour by using an intelligence-based approach to target troublesome locations. As Victorians returned to enjoying restaurants, pubs and wineries, police were out conducting both PBTs and drug tests to get impaired drivers off the roads. Statewide, 454 people were found with drugs in their system, with 46 of those being caught in Cardinia. A further six were found in Casey. A total of 410 people were caught drink driving across the state, with seven in Cardinia and six in Casey. Speed continued to be a huge concern for Victoria Police, with over 7000 total speeding offences. More than 150 of those fines were issued in Cardinia, while 60 were snapped in Casey. Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy said it was “baffling” that people continued to speed and put themselves and others at risk. “This year has been a challenging year for all Victorians. That said, we cannot become complacent about our behaviour on the road. Every single road user has a choice to make when they start their journey,” A/C Murphy said. “Exercising a little patience could be the
Eight people were caught using their mobile phone while driving in Cardinia, and two motorists were found to not be wearing their seatbelt. A total of 14 disqualified drivers, 14 unlicensed drivers and 41 unregistered vehicles were nabbed in Cardinia, while in Casey, eight disqualified drivers, seven unlicensed driv-
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
ers and 27 unregistered vehicles were slapped with fines. Operation Compass ran from 12.01am on Thursday 12 November to 11.59pm on Sunday 15 November, 12.01am on Thursday 19 November to 11.59pm on Sunday 22 November and 12.01am on Thursday 26 November to 11.59pm on Sunday 29 November.
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