QUEENSLAND Police Service has launched ‘Operation Spring Break’, a road safety enforcement operation coinciding with the September school holidays.
Extra police will be patrolling the state’s busy road networks as part of the major state-wide operation coinciding with the school holidays as motorists are urged to drive safely.
From Saturday 16 September to Monday 2 October, police will be out enforcing speed limits, conducting roadside drug and alcohol tests while urging motorists to drive safely.
“With so many people planning to enjoy the beautiful weather and travel across our road networks these school holidays, we urge families and motorists to be extra vigilant, take necessary breaks and drive to conditions,” Police Minister Mark Ryan said.
“Make sure you plan your trip and make allowances for the extra traffic on the road.
“We want to see everyone enjoying themselves these school holidays – even one tragedy on our roads, is one too many.”
This year, police are especially focusing their attention on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders and motorcyclists.
Research indicates motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of a car and although motorcyclists make up only five per cent of vehicles registered on Queensland roads, riders and passengers make up nearly one third of lives lost.
Police would also like to remind road users of the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, seat-belts, fatigue and driving distracted (including mobile phones).
Acting Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream from Road Policing said it is important people take the necessary precautions when setting out on your road trips these holidays.
“Motorists should be conscious that there will be more families out and about, taking advantage of the outdoors,” he said.
“It is particularly important that motorists remain on the look-out for vulnerable road-users, including motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
“Always drive to the conditions, check your blind spots and make sure you indicate before changing lanes or turning.”
Last year, during Operation Spring Break, police conducted 65,839 Roadside Breath Tests (RBTs) and 2,345 Roadside Drug Tests (RDTs). Police issued 1,036 tickets for speeding, 114 tickets for drivers or passengers not wearing a seatbelt and 115 tickets for drivers using their mobile phone.
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