As temperatures drop across the state, Queensland Police Service (QPS) has commenced Operation Yankee Cold Snap, our annual winter school holidays road policing operation which is running from Saturday 27 June to Friday 17 July.
With more Queenslanders and visitors expected to travel during the school holiday period, police are reminding motorists that road safety starts with every decision made behind the wheel.
Increased traffic volumes on Queensland roads during winter school holidays heightens the risk of serious and fatal crashes.
Cooler conditions can also create additional hazards, including reduced visibility from shorter daylight hours and fog, as well as an increased risk of wildlife collisions, making driving conditions more unpredictable.
To help keep Queenslanders safe, police will maintain a strong and highly visible presence across the state, reminding motorists to expect police anywhere, anytime.
Officers will be actively patrolling, intercepting and enforcing road rules to target dangerous behaviours and hold those who put lives at risk to account.
This year, Operation Cold Snap will place a strong focus on speeding and impaired driving, two of the leading contributors to lives lost on Queensland roads.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman urged motorists to slow down, drive to the conditions and make safe choices.
“Every decision you make behind the wheel matters,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“One moment of impatience, one decision to speed, or one choice to drive impaired can change lives forever.
“If you choose to speed, you are not only increasing your risk of being involved in a crash, but also the likelihood that someone will be seriously injured or killed.”
During Operation Interpose, police conducted more than 364,000 roadside breath tests, with about 2500 people returning positive results. More than 43,000 traffic infringement notices were also issued for dangerous driving behaviours across the state.
Assistant Commissioner Wildman said driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgement, reaction times and coordination, placing all road users at risk.
“You may think you feel fine to drive, but alcohol and drugs can continue to affect you long after consumption, including the next morning,” he said.
“If you’ve been drinking or using drugs, don’t take the risk.
“Plan a safe alternative, organise a designated driver, catch public transport or arrange a safe ride home.”
He said road policing operations are ultimately about saving lives and preventing tragedy, but enforcement alone cannot reduce the road toll.
“Our officers see firsthand the devastating impact road crashes have on families, friends and communities,” he said.
“Too often, these crashes are preventable and caused by poor decisions on our roads.
“Police will do everything we can to keep Queenslanders safe, but road safety is a shared responsibility.
“Small actions like checking your speed, never driving impaired, wearing a seatbelt and taking regular breaks can make the difference between life and death.
“Arriving later to your destination is always better than not arriving at all.
“These winter school holidays, think about the people waiting for you at come home.
“Road safety starts with you.”
The QPS remains committed to reducing road trauma and ensuring Queenslanders can enjoy a safe winter school holiday period.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Road safety starts with you.
