Extra police will be patrolling our busy road networks as part of a major state-wide road safety operation coinciding with the school holidays.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is launching Operation Spring Break which involves high-visibility enforcement patrols to reduce high-risk driving behaviour and make our roads safer for all road users.
From Saturday September 16 to Monday, October 2, police will be out enforcing speed limits, conducting roadside drug and alcohol tests while urging motorists to drive safely.
So far in 2023, 196 people have lost their lives on Queensland’s roads.
This year, police are especially focusing their attention on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders and motorcyclists.
Research indicates motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of a car.
Although motorcyclists make up only 5 per cent of vehicles registered on Queensland roads, riders and passengers make up nearly one third of lives lost.
Police would also like to remind road users of the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, seat-belts, fatigue and driving distracted (including mobile phones).
Last year, during Operation Spring Break, police conducted 65,839 Roadside Breath Tests (RBTs) and 2,345 Roadside Drug Tests (RDTs). Police issued 1,036 tickets for speeding, 114 tickets for drivers or passengers not wearing a seatbelt and 115 tickets for drivers using their mobile phone.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream reminded motorists about the importance of taking necessary precautions when setting out on your road trips.
“Motorists should be conscious that there will be more families out and about, taking advantage of the outdoors.
“It is particularly important that motorists remain on the look-out for vulnerable road-users, including motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
“Always drive to the conditions, check your blind spots and make sure you indicate before changing lanes or turning.”
