Police are warning they’ll be out in force across Queensland roads these school holidays.
‘Operation Spring Break’ has been launched today with extra high-visibility officers to be on our roads from tomorrow as part of a major road safety enforcement.
The operation will run from September 16 to October 2, with police enforcing speed limits, and conducting roadside drug and alcohol tests while urging motorists to drive safely.
Last year, during Operation Spring Break, police conducted 65,839 RBT’s and 2,345 Roadside Drug Tests.
Police issued 1,036 tickets for speeding, 114 tickets for drivers or passengers not wearing a seatbelt and 115 tickets for drivers using their mobile phone.
Police Minister Mark Ryan says they want everyone to get to their destination safety these holidays.
“With so many people planning to enjoy the beautiful weather and travel across our road networks these school holidays, we urge families and motorists to be extra vigilant, take necessary breaks and drive to conditions,” Minister Ryan says.
“Make sure you plan your trip and make allowances for the extra traffic on the road,
“We want to see everyone enjoying themselves these school holidays. Even one tragedy on our roads, is one too many.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream from Road Policing says they’ll especially focus their attention on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders and motorcyclists.
“Motorists should be conscious that there will be more families out and about, taking advantage of the outdoors,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream says.
“It is particularly important that motorists remain on the look-out for vulnerable road-users, including motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians,
“Always drive to the conditions, check your blind spots and make sure you indicate before changing lanes or turning.”
Research indicates motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of a car.
Although motorcyclists make up only 5 per cent of vehicles registered on Queensland roads, riders and passengers make up nearly one third of lives lost.
So far this year, 196 people have lost their lives on Queensland’s roads.
