Queensland Police announce Easter road blitz

The Queenslander Staff

Queensland Police have launched Operation Victor Easter to remind motorists that there are no excuses when it comes to road safety during the upcoming school holidays.

The campaign, which runs from April 1 to April 16, aims to reduce trauma and fatalities on the state’s road network during what is always a busy period.

Police will conduct targeted operations and maintain a highly visible presence on highways and roads to enforce road rules and reduce accidents. The initiative comes as many Queenslanders are expected to take road trips to unfamiliar areas throughout the holiday period.

Motorists are urged to avoid the fatal five behaviours on the roads: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired, and distracted driving.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said school holiday periods always see an increase in traffic on the roads, with families eager to get to their destinations and travelling in unfamiliar areas. Queenslanders are reminded to drive to the conditions, avoid speeding, and not drive affected by drugs or alcohol.

“Day or night, ensure you drive to the conditions. Don’t speed or drive affected by drugs or alcohol,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream said.

“We know that we can significantly reduce fatal crashes if motorists avoid the fatal five behaviours: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired and distracted driving.

“Expect to see police conducting roadside operations and patrolling our roads, doing everything we can to reduce road trauma and keep Queenslanders safe.

“Getting stopped by police might be an inconvenience to you, but for us, it is often the best-case scenario when the alternative is responding to a fatal traffic crash.”

During the Easter long weekend last year, one Queenslander lost their life, and 60 injury crashes were recorded across the state, often resulting in life-altering injuries.

Police and ambulance services are urging motorists to prioritise their own safety on the roads, plan their trip, take regular breaks, share the driving, and ensure everyone is buckled up. The QPS and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) are reminding motorists that their decisions behind the wheel can affect everyone in the vehicle and other road users.

Police officers and paramedics will be out and about over the break to ensure that motorists get home safely.