Police are urging motorists to make safe decisions behind the wheel ahead of the Christmas long weekend, as Highway Patrol officers stop hundreds of dangerous drivers in their tracks.
Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said high-volume covert and overt road safety enforcement activities would continue throughout the Christmas break in the hope all Queensland drivers make it home safe these holidays.
“Since January 1, 272 lives have been lost on Queensland roads,” Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said.
“This means more than 200 families will have an empty seat at the table this Christmas as a result of bad decisions made on our roads.
“To curb this horrifically high number, Highway Patrol officers taking part in Operation Tango Mistletoe will be out on roads and highways across the Christmas long weekend and drivers should expect to see us anywhere at any time.”
Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said since December 10, police had detected more than 4,300 driving offences across Queensland.
“In the past two weeks, more than 3,200 on-the-spot fines have been issued for speeding, 97 for using mobile phones while driving and 150 for not wearing a seatbelt,” he said.
“Additionally, about 600 people were caught drink driving and 277 were caught driving with illicit drugs in their system.
“Everyone one of these drivers has not only put their own life at risk, but the lives of those around them as well. Quite frankly, this is not good enough.”
Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said with interstate motorists expected on Queensland roads and drivers planning long road trips away, fatigue management should be front-of-mind when travelling over Christmas.
“Fatigue is one of the fatal five for good reason,” he said.
“Every year we see too many drivers make the dangerous decision to drive while tired, instead of making regular rest stops.
“Think about what matters to you this Christmas, it’s up to you to make the right call before getting on the road this long weekend.”
Operation Tango Mistletoe will continue until January 28.
