Motorists should expect to see police anywhere, anytime as the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has unveiled its plans to target unsafe driving these June/July school holidays, with the launch of a state-wide road safety initiative; Operation Cold Snap.
Officially commencing at midnight tonight and running through to Sunday, July 7, Police will have an increased presence on Queensland roads to disrupt and prevent dangerous driving behaviours.
To ensure motorists are adopting safer driving practices, the road safety blitz will include both visible and covert patrols, static roadside testing and an ongoing zero-tolerance policy.
Operation Cold Snap seeks to draw attention to the risks associated with speeding, fatigue, seatbelt use, driver distraction, driving while impaired and vehicle safety standards.
As of June 21, 133 people have tragically lost their lives on Queensland roads this year alone, with many of these fatalities the result of speeding or dangerous driving.
The winter school holidays are a traditionally busy period on Queensland roads, with many families and holiday makers expected to travel to and from holiday destinations and it is with this in mind the QPS urges all motorists to take extra care to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
Motorcyclists will also be targeted, with this year's motorcycle fatalities having reached 37 as of June 21.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Pilotto spoke of the need to take extra caution at the official launch of state-wide initiative in Brisbane.
"The Queensland Police Service is committed to road safety, particularly during busy periods such as school holidays," Assistant Commissioner Andrew Pilotto said.
"If you are planning to travel long distances these holidays, take regular breaks, as we know fatigue can severely impair our driving responses.
"We must work together to make our roads safer, so motorists doing the wrong thing should expect to see police anywhere, anytime."
Based on current projections, Queensland is on track to exceed 300 lives lost on Queensland roads by the end of 2024.
This will be the highest number of lives lost on Queensland roads in a year since 2009, when 331 lives were lost.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing 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
