School holidays have started in Queensland, and police in the Sunshine State are out in force to keep motorists safe.
The Queensland Police Service started Operation Spring Break on Friday, September 13, and it’ll run through to Sunday, September 29.
It’s calling it a state-wide road safety initiative, spanning from Coolangatta in the south to Cape York at the north, and through the Outback, with motorists expected to see police “anywhere, anytime, with increased patrols aimed at disrupting dangerous driving”.
The QPS is deploying both visible and covert patrols, along with static roadside testing.
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It also says it’s enforcing a “zero-tolerance policy” for unsafe driving behaviours such a speeding, drink and drug driving, failing to wear seatbelts, and distracted driving, and is also paying “close attention” to vehicle safety standards.
According to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, there have been 205 fatalities as a result of crashes within Queensland from January 1 to September 15.
That’s six more fatalities than at the same point last year, and 18 fatalities more than the previous five-year average for the same period.
“We’re calling on all motorists to plan their trips ahead, be patient with the extra traffic, take regular breaks and prioritise safety,” said Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells.
“We need to work together to make our roads safer, so motorists should expect to see police anywhere, anytime.
“Every life lost on the road is a tragedy, and we all have a responsibility to prevent it.”
