Vic motorists urged to take care this Xmas VICTORIANS are being warned to take extra care on the roads this holiday season, after an alarming rise in December fatalities. So far 26 people have died on the state's roads this month compared with 15 at the same time last year, prompting a plea from authorities. "This has been a shocking horror month and it's time that all Victorians had a good, hard look at themselves and how they behave on the roads," Premier Denis Napthine told reporters on Monday. The 2013 state toll stands at 238, 35 fewer than at this time last year. Chief commissioner Ken Lay said all but one road death this year was avoidable. Launching the 11-day national road safety Operation Crossroads with key agencies, Mr Lay warned drivers of the dangerous time ahead. While agencies are committed to preventing road trauma, he said Victorians needed to play their part. "This is probably the worst month we've had on our roads now for a number of years," he said. People on the road need to own this problem with the rest of us. Police will be out in force targeting main factors behind road death - speed, seatbelt enforcement, driver distraction, alcohol- and drug-affected driving. Alfred Hospital trauma services director Associate Professor Mark Fitzgerald urged people to slow down, saying many road trauma injuries were caused by people in a rush. "Take your time, slow down, have a break," he said. Answer your phone when you get to your destination, the conversation can wait. He urged drivers to be especially aware of pedestrians and cyclists, with these groups suffering increases in serious injury rates during the past few years.