The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is reminding motorists road safety is everyone’s responsibility, with statewide enforcement continuing until 12am Saturday 18 July under Operation Yankee Cold Snap.
This operation, which has been running since 27 June, remains active as officers continue high-visibility enforcement across Queensland, targeting dangerous driving behaviours during the winter school holidays and back-to-school period.
Officers have maintained a strong and visible presence on roads across the state, with a particular focus on impaired driving and speeding to prevent crashes, reduce road trauma and keep Queenslanders safe.
As of 12am Thursday 16 July, preliminary data indicates police have conducted more than 116,000 roadside breath and drug tests, detecting more than 950 drivers over the legal alcohol limit and more than 600 drivers with relevant drugs present in their system.
Police have also issued over 6,000 traffic infringement notices for speeding.
Among those detected was a 25-year-old Taigum man who was fined and had his license suspended after allegedly driving 102km/h in 60km/h zone in Virginia on 28 June.
Officers from Road Policing Taskforce were conducting mobile patrols in Virginia around 6.30am, when they observed a black Ford Mustang on Sandgate Road travelling 42km/h over the speed limit.
The man was issued with a high-speed traffic infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h.
He was also fined $1,919, incurred eight demerit points, and had his licence suspended for six months.
Police also charged a 38-year-old West Rockhampton man on 29 June after he allegedly tested positive to methamphetamine during a roadside drug test.
He has been charged with drug driving and has been issued with a licence suspension. He is expected to appear before Rockhampton Magistrates Court on 2 September.
The driver also failed to properly restrain his passenger in the backseat and was fined $1,251 and incurred four demerit points.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said too many motorists continue to make dangerous choices behind the wheel.
“While thousands of Queenslanders travelled safely these holidays, police still detected drivers who chose to speed, drink drive and drug drive, putting themselves and everyone around them at risk,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“Whether it’s speeding, drink driving or drug driving, these behaviours significantly increase the likelihood of a crash and the severity of the outcome.
“One poor decision, made in a split second, can change lives forever. Not only for the driver, but for innocent road users and their loved ones.”
Assistant Commissioner Wildman said the operation has run throughout the winter school holidays and into the first week of the school term, coinciding with the back-to-school period.
“With school zones back in effect, we are reminding motorists to slow down, stay focused and watch for children around schools, crossings and bus stops,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.
“Children are among our most vulnerable road users. Taking a few extra seconds to slow down and pay attention could save a life.
“Always be aware of vulnerable road users and the role we all play in keeping them safe. No appointment, meeting or destination is worth risking a life, and arriving safely should be everyone’s priority.”
Assistant Commissioner Wildman reminded motorists the operation remains underway until 12am Saturday 18 July and police will continue road safety enforcement across the state.
“Officers will continue to be highly visible on Queensland roads, targeting dangerous driving behaviours wherever they occur,” he said.
“When this operation finishes, our enforcement won’t.
“High-visibility patrols and targeted road policing will continue under Operation Interpose.
“Road safety doesn’t stop when school holidays end. Expect police, anywhere, anytime, because every life lost on our roads is one too many.
“Every decision you make behind the wheel matters – not just for you, but for your passengers, other road users and the people waiting for you at home.”
QPS remains committed to reducing road trauma and encouraging all motorists to drive safely and responsibly.
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.
