A high visibility traffic enforcement operation Mistletoe launches in the Moreton district today to focus on strengthening road safety this Christmas.
Operation Mistletoe coincides with the official beginning of school holidays and its intent is to minimise road trauma in Queensland during the busy summer break and back to school period.
The annual road safety operation will see covert and overt police motorcycles, fitted with mobile radars, on the road to provide a targeted and tactical high visibility surge in road safety enforcement.
This tactical and targeted approach, with increased high-visibility police patrols, will help foster safer roads for all users including drivers, riders and pedestrians.
Tragically, as of today (December 13), 287 lives have been lost on Queensland roads this year. That is 20 more lives lost compared to this time last year.
In Moreton alone, 17 lives have been lost on the roads.
In addition, more than 6,000 people have been seriously injured on Queensland roads this year or are facing long-term trauma and hardship.
Moreton District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Adam Guild said every life lost is one too many.
"It is these high number of fatalities that have shaped our increased presence on the roads," A/Chief Superintendent Guild said.
"We cannot continue to see lives being lost on our roads.
"Our data shows 95 per cent of fatal crashes are a result of the fatal five: speeding, impairment, distraction, failing to wear a seatbelt, and fatigue.
"That means, most crashes are preventable.
"I urge you to be aware of the of the key factors that can cause a crash, and do everything possible to avoid them, for the safety of yourself, your passengers, other road users and pedestrians.
"Through this operation, you will see an increase in police patrolling major roads and local officers will also be out in force across the entire Moreton district, including the beaches.
"Locally, one of the key focuses for Operation Mistletoe in Moreton is reckless and dangerous driving on the beach at Bribie Island.
"We want people, locals and visitors from afar, to enjoy Bribie Island instead of having to worry about others driving dangerously.
"Also, as we head into a summer of unpredictable weather, I urge all road users to drive to the conditions, prioritise safety and remember: If It's Flooded, Forget It.
"By working together with the community, we can all play a part in making Queensland roads safer for everyone this Christmas."
To learn more about road safety and QPS's initiatives to help make Queensland's roads safer, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/road-safety
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
