Operation Scoreboard targets motorcycles

Police will increase their focus on motorcycle safety with a state wide policing effort over the four day long weekend.
Operation Scoreboard, which has been extended to include tomorrow's public holiday, will target speeding and distracted drivers heading out to regional areas on high-risk rural roads and highways.
Police are also warning Victorians celebrating the AFL Grand Final that there will be zero tolerance for drink or drug driving, and motorists should expect to be tested while out on the roads this weekend.
Victoria has recorded 178 fatalities in 2022 – 21 higher than 2021 (157) and trending well above the five-year average of 166.
Of particular concern to police is the rising number of motorcyclist deaths – there have been 38 fatalities, trending well above the five-year average of 27 and on track to exceed the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities recorded in the last five-years (44 in 2019).
Speed has been cited as a factor in at least 20 motorcyclist fatalities this year, with half of the deceased riders under the age of 35.
Police will utilise automatic number plate recognition technology to detect unauthorised motorists, with almost half of deceased motorcyclists either unlicenced, suspended or disqualified from riding a motorcycle.
Despite COVID restrictions, last year police detected more than 2000 traffic offences during Operation Scoreboard – with speeding the most common offence, as well as almost 200 drink and drug driving detections.
Operation Scoreboard will run state wide from midnight tonight until midnight Sunday, September 25.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said more motorcycles on Victorian roads had led to an increase in motorcycle trauma in 2022, and alarmingly we are on track to exceed the most motorcycle deaths recorded in the last five years.
"We believe that rising fuel costs, increasing prices of cars and public transport avoidance are all factors that have led to an increase in motorcycle riding.
"Concerningly for police, October to December is historically one of the highest-risk periods for motorcycle trauma, however we are already trending well above previous years. We need to do everything we can to prevent more rider deaths and serious injuries from occurring.
"During Operation Scoreboard, police will be keeping a close eye out for motorcyclists engaging in risky behaviour, particularly speeding which has contributed to more than half of rider deaths this year.
"We will also be conducting extensive alcohol and drug testing as Victorians enjoy Grand Final football in Melbourne after a two-year hiatus.
"Please take extra care as you travel across the state over the weekend – we've seen far too many tragic, yet completely avoidable fatal collisions this year," he said.