Police have warned motorists flouting road rules will be targeted in the lead up to Christmas, with a continued crackdown on drink and drug drivers on Queensland roads.
Since Operation Mistletoe launched three weeks ago, more than 16,000 hours of officer enforcement have been carried out, with 35,970 random breath tests and 2,204 drug tests conducted across the state.
So far, 7,478 traffic infringement notices have been issued across Queensland. 3,388 of these were speeding infringements.
Tragically, 271 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads this year.
Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream from Road Policing and Regional Support Command said speeding and motorists driving under the influence continued to be a problem.
“Enjoy the festive season but make sure to do so safely,” he said.
“Don’t drink or drug drive, watch your speed, buckle up, limit distractions and be wary of fatigue.
“We’ve lost too many lives on our roads this year in Queensland and the last thing we want to do is break the news that a loved one won’t be making it home for Christmas this year.”
The Department of Transport and Main Roads Acting General Manager, Land Transport Safety and Regulation, Nicole Downing, said drink driving was a major priority this festive season.
“This holiday season we’re reminding drivers to take extra care on the roads with the launch of our ‘In your Hands’ drink driving campaign, which demonstrates the devastating consequences of drinking and driving,” Ms Downing said.
“The campaign features a range of consequences on fake alcoholic drinks including ‘Whiplash pale ale’ and ‘Lose your licence lager’, which serve up a sobering reality that over 15,000 offenders were caught drink driving over the legal limit in 2022, and over 7,500 of these were in the mid to high range alcohol limit (0.10 BAC and above).
“Drink driving continues to be a factor in almost a quarter of all fatal crashes. Last year, drink driving related crashes resulted in 65 lives lost and 817 people hospitalised (an increase of 13.7% in hospitalisations on the previous 5 year average).
“Traditionally a time when more people take to the roads to visit family and friends or travel to holiday destinations, all drivers are being urged to take additional caution and take their time to ensure they arrive at their destination safely.
“Every life lost and serious injury has a tragic impact on individuals, families and communities across our state.
“Every life lost is someone who won’t be seated at the family table this holiday season, so please remember to take care on our roads.”
The Queensland Police Service will be conducting Operation Victor Mistletoe over the festive holiday period until January 25, 2024, involving a range of strategies to target motorists speeding, drink and drug driving, driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt.
