POLICE have nabbed hundreds of dodgy drivers committing more than 15,000 offences during the summer crackdown on Victorian roads.
Operation Break Up was launched in November in the bid to force drivers to be safe on our roads over summer or face a long stint off the roads.
The campaign was accompanied by an impressive range of advertising warning drivers police were cracking down on dubious drivers.
Despite the warning police handed out tickets to more than 135 people a day for talking on their phones.
Almost 40 drivers a day were caught for drinking offences and nine a day tested positive for drugs.
More than 500 tickets were handed out every day of the campaign for speeding.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said the figures were particularly disappointing as motorists were given plenty of warning police would be strictly enforcing the penalties for mobile phone use.
"At the start of the Summer Stay campaign Victoria Police warned motorists we would be focused on driver distraction.
"We told the community we would be out there saturating the roads, targeting drivers using their mobile phones.
"Clearly the figures show motorists just aren't getting the message.
"This month we've had 28 people killed on our roads, the worst month so far this year.
"That's 28 more families that will be missing someone this Christmas.
"We have to work together to get the road safety messages out there, using your mobile phone while driving is a deadly driver distraction.
"Imagine trying to explain to your best friends mum why taking that call meant more to you then her daughter or son's life."
With Boxing Day being one of the worst days on Victorian roads, police are urging drivers who are travelling long distances to rest regularly.
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