High visibility police will be out in force on Sunshine Coast roads and beaches this Christmas to minimise road trauma in Queensland during the busy summer break and back to school period.
Coinciding with the official beginning of school holidays, Operation Mistletoe launches today with a tactical and targeted approach to help foster safer roads for all users including drivers, riders and pedestrians.
This includes 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.
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.
13 of those lives have been lost on Sunshine Coast 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.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Acting Superintendent Chris Toohey said the high number of fatalities call for an increased presence on the roads.
"Each life lost is a tragedy and not something police take lightly," Acting Superintendent Toohey said.
"With increased traffic on our roads over the summer holidays, we need to counteract that with an increased police presence and that's what this high visibility traffic enforcement operation will provide, including a surge in police motorbikes across the state.
"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 so I urge you to educate yourself on the key factors that can cause a crash, and do everything you can to avoid them.
"This is not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of your passengers, other road users and pedestrians.
"The Sunshine Coast community can expect to see more police on both the roads and beaches.
"Locally, we know dangerous and reckless driving on our beaches is a safety concern for police and the wider community.
"This is your reminder that road rules apply on the beach. If you wouldn't do it on the Bruce Highway, don't do it on the sand.
"Also, with some rain on parts of the coast today and more predicated this weekend, a reminder to all road users to drive to conditions, prioritise safety and remember: If It's Flooded, Forget It.
"Let's work together to make our 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
