The Andrews Labor Government is urging Victorians to be safe and take extra care on the roads this Labour Day long weekend.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said motorists heading away should plan ahead, drive to the conditions, take regular breaks and don’t take any risks.

It’s been a horror start to the year on Victoria’s roads, with 68 fatalities – compared to 50 at the same time last year – leaving many families, friends and colleagues mourning the unnecessary loss of a loved one.

Of the fatalities, 60 per cent have been on regional roads.

There’s also been a 160 per cent increase in the number of fatalities at intersections this year compared with the five-year average – 54 per cent in regional Victoria and 46 per cent on metropolitan roads.

Crashes on high-speed roads also continue to be a challenge, with 75 per cent of fatalities on regional roads this year occurring in a 100km/h or 110km/h speed zone.

Last year, 21 Victorians who lost their lives on our roads weren’t wearing a seatbelt. All Victorians have a responsibility to protect themselves and their loved ones – and wearing a seatbelt is the quickest and easiest way to ensure you get home safely.

Victoria Police will be out in force across the state this long weekend, targeting speeding, drink and drug drivers, fatigue, distracted drivers and seatbelt compliance.

The Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 works across education, infrastructure, policy and technology to improve safety for road users. The Strategy aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.

The Labor Government is working with the Australian Government and Transport Accident Commission to roll out vital safety upgrades as part of the $457.57 million Road Safety Program. The upgrades are being delivered at almost 200 sites and routes on regional, urban and peri-urban roads.

These include intersection upgrades, pedestrian crossings, electronic speed limit signage, rumble strip line marking, safety barriers and shoulder sealing works.