Victoria’s top traffic cop says drivers are more distracted and worried than they were before the pandemic and it’s contributing to road trauma.

Police have issued over 12,000 infringements since the festive season police operation, Operation Roadwise, began on December 16.

“I think anxiety is probably a driver for some of those behaviours,” acting Assistant Commissioner Justin Goldsmith told Shane McInnes, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear why Mr Goldsmith is concerned about heightened driver anxiety

With Boxing Day traditionally a high-risk day on Victoria’s roads, Mr Goldsmith said there’s “real concern”.

“It doesn’t matter what time you get there, it’s just getting there in one piece that is key.”