The heartbreaking reason for each bauble on this Christmas tree
It might look like the image of Christmas cheer but that couldn’t be further from the case.
The highly decorated Christmas tree has been covered in 199 baubles – each ornament inscribed with the names of those killed on Victoria roads this year.
In what has become an annual tradition, police once again put up the tree as a symbol of the human lives lost on the state’s roads.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said the baubles were a poignant reminder that behind the statistics of road trauma are real people.
“Everyone who loses their life on our roads is missed by someone, and each of these baubles represents a person who was special to those who knew and loved them,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that lives lost on our roads is not about numbers – it’s about families losing cherished members.
“Behind each of these baubles is a story of a family that is grieving for a mum, dad, brother, sister, son or daughter who won’t be coming home this Christmas.”
Meanwhile Victoria Police have launched a major roadside crackdown operation over the Christmas period.
The five main causes of death on Victorian roads
Operation Roadwise, which will run from December 14 to January 6, will focus on the five leading causes of death and serious injury – speed, impairment, distraction, not wearing seatbelts and fatigue.
“Many people will be attending parties and other events to celebrate the end of the year, so if you are going to have a few drinks, then make sure you’ve planned how to get home without driving,” Assistant Commissioner Leane said.
“Alcohol and drug buses will be operating throughout the state and our officers will be testing as many motorists and riders as possible to get those who are impaired off our roads.”
