The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is stepping up roadside breath and drug testing this Easter with the launch of Operation X-Ray Easter, ensuring Queenslanders get home safely over the busy holiday period.
With a strong focus on driver impairment, the operation will run from April 4 to April 21, covering the entire school holiday period.
Easter is one of the busiest times on Queensland roads, with families and holidaymakers taking advantage of the long weekend to travel, catch up with loved ones, and explore the great outdoors. However, police are reminding motorists that celebrations should never come at the cost of safety.
QPS Road Policing and Regional Support Command Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said police will have a strong presence across the state, ensuring drivers make safe choices.
"Easter is a time for families and friends to create lasting memories. We do not want to see anyone's holiday period end in tragedy," Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.
"History tells us Easter is a particularly dangerous time on our roads, with families travelling longer distances, often on unfamiliar routes.
"It's critical that drivers and riders stay alert and avoid the fatal five: driving under the influence, speeding, fatigue, distraction, and failing to wear a seatbelt correctly.
"Road users can expect to see police anywhere and at any time using high-visibility patrols and covert operations these Easter holidays to keep Queenslanders safe.
"Police will do whatever it takes to increase safety on our roads, creating safer drivers, safer vehicles and safer communities."
So far this year, QPS has conducted more than 500,000 random breath tests and more than 14,000 roadside drug tests across Queensland, detecting more than 9,500 motorists over the legal alcohol limit and almost 3,000 positive indications that motorist have driven under the influence of illicit drugs.
Drug testing will be significantly expanded during Operation X-Ray Easter, with officers conducting more roadside tests than ever before.
Police are urging all motorists to plan ahead, organise a designated driver if consuming alcohol, and take regular breaks on long journeys to help ensure a safe and happy Easter for everyone.
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
