Queensland drivers have been put on notice ahead of the upcoming busy Easter holiday period.
‘Operation Victor Easter’ will kick off from Saturday, April 1 and go through until Sunday, April 16 in a desperate attempt to reduce fatalities and trauma.
There’ll be a massive boost to policing on roads and highways across the state, with motorists urged to avoid the fatal five: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired and distracted driving.
During the 2022 Easter long weekend, one life was lost and 60 people were injured in crashes.
Police also handed out 3,788 traffic infringements and a shocking 471 motorists were caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream says the school holiday periods always see increased traffic on the roads with families eager to get to their destinations and travelling in unfamiliar areas.
“Expect to see police conducting roadside operations and patrolling our roads, doing everything we can to reduce road trauma and keep Queenslanders safe,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream says.
“Getting stopped by police might be an inconvenience to you, but for us, it is often the best-case scenario when the alternative is responding to a fatal traffic crash,
“One life lost is one too many so please be careful. Every decision you make behind the wheel counts…And remember, there is no second chance if you make a fatal decision behind the wheel.”
Queensland Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner David Hartley said each year paramedics are confronted with traumatic injuries as a result of road traffic crashes over the notorious Easter period.
“Decisions made while behind the wheel don’t just affect the driver, but everyone in the vehicle and other road users,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley says.
“A split-second crash can result in a life-time of rehabilitation or tragically a life cut short.”
