Motorcycle carnage reaches highest level in 5 years

Police are targeting reckless motorcyclists after five motorcyclists were killed and 47 seriously injured in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia so far this year.

This is the highest number of serious and fatal motorcycle accidents in the Southeast for five years.

And most were “completely avoidable,” according to Highway Patrol police.

Starting Tuesday, September 27, Operation Blackwire will target motorcyclists’ reckless behavior, impaired driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic signs and failure to wear protective gear with the aim reduce road trauma in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.

During the blitz, local Highway Patrol members, supported by individual units, will conduct proactive, intelligence-led patrols in areas where motorcyclists are most at risk and most active.

Dandenong Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant David Hewatt said police would have an enhanced presence targeting reckless behavior by motorcyclists, removing dangerous riders and their bikes from the roads.

“Motorcyclists represent less than 10% of road users in the region, but they are responsible for 36% of lives lost this year.

“This is a 78% increase in the number of motorcyclists killed in the region compared to the five-year average. Unfortunately, most of these incidents were completely preventable.

Sen Sgt Hewatt said speeding, refusing to yield right of way and dangerous overtaking are among the reckless and dangerous actions that cost lives on the road.

He urged all drivers and drivers to remain alert, make safe decisions while driving their vehicles and keep the safety of vulnerable road users in mind.

“It’s never been easier to tell someone that their loved one will never come home or to the hospital badly injured.

“Do not be careless with your life and the lives of others.”

Equipped with automatic license plate recognition technology, members of the Highway Patrol will also steer clear of unregistered drivers.