Police will be out in force over the Easter long weekend, with the death toll over this year’s school holiday period already exceeding last year’s number.
Queensland Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie said there had been 16 lives lost on Queensland roads since the start of the school holidays on April 4.
Minister Purdie said 15 people died over the entire school holiday period last year.
He said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) was currently conducting Operation X-ray Easter to target the Fatal Five – speeding, drink driving, fatigue, seatbelts and distraction – with thousands already caught breaking the law.
“Police have conducted 64,682 roadside breath tests and 3815 roadside drug tests as at 8am on April 15.
“Of those tested, 1118 motorists were found to be over the legal alcohol limit and 432 drivers returned a positive result for drugs and had to undergo further testing.”
Minister Purdie warned drivers to expect a high visibility police presence to continue across Queensland over the long weekend.
“Drivers should expect to see more RBTs and high visibility patrols targeting those unfit to be behind the wheel due to drugs and alcohol – with impaired driving one of the major causes of crashes in Queensland.
“Easter is a great time to be hitting the road to explore our great state, but please do your part to keep yourself, your passengers and other motorists safe.”
QPS Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the Easter period was one of the busiest times on the Australian roads, and one of the highest-risk times for serious crashes.
“Police will continue to conduct increased high visibility operations, traffic enforcement activities and patrols throughout the state, including roadside breath testing and drug testing operations, as part of Operation X-ray Easter,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
“The results of the first 10 days of this operation illustrate the danger that people are putting themselves and the community in by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – and this is simply unacceptable.”
The police presence over the Easter long weekend will extend to the water with the QPS and partner agencies taking a zero-tolerance approach to boaties neglecting safety and breaking the rules after numerous water enthusiasts have been found speeding, driving under the influence and ignoring safety regulations.
QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Joe Jaramazovic said police will be increasing patrols and have united with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) to promote the importance of safe behaviours on our waterways and beaches.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Jaramazovic said between January 1 and March 30, more than 140 people have been found to be operating watercrafts without licenses or with incorrect licenses and 21 individuals have been found to be operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“The Easter long weekend is always a busy time on the water, and unfortunately, we continue to see far too many people breaking the rules,” he said.
“With increased traffic on the waterways, it is critical that everyone remains vigilant in their approach to safety by keeping to speed limits, never operating their watercraft while under the influence and ensuring everyone on board has the correct safety gear.”
