By Jeremy Cook
Police have urged safety on Queensland roads over the festive season, vowing to crack down on drink drivers with the launch of a statewide high visibility policing operation.
Extra police will be out in force on highways and roads across the state as part of Operation Victor Mistletoe.
Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Chris Stream said officers will be out conducting a range of operations including random breath tests, drug tests, speed detection and general road enforcement.
“Expect to see us anywhere, anytime,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream said.
“Too many lives have been lost on our roads as a direct result of someone selfishly making the wrong decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.
“We want every single road user including car drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, motorcyclists and truck drivers to take a moment to ensure they are all making safe decisions this festive period.”
To date, 251 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads in 2023.
According to police, more than 20 per cent of road fatalities are linked to drink driving.
This year’s concentrated road safety operations were reportedly brought forward a week to target end-of-year celebrations leading up to Christmas.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the message was simple.
“If you are planning on drinking, do not plan to drive,” Mr Ryan said.
“December is typically filled with special events where family, colleagues or friends celebrate together,” he said.
“We urge all road users heading out to celebrations or travelling on road trips to plan ahead and don’t take risks.
“One life lost on our roads is one too many and we do not want to see any further tragedies, particularly at Christmas.”
Police conducted almost 30,000 random breath tests and more than 1,800 drug tests on motorists in the final two weeks of November.
That number is expected to grow in the lead-up to Christmas with Mr Ryan warning of a more visible police presence in December.
“Queenslanders can expect to see more police out and about on our roads conducting random breath tests and targeting drivers doing the wrong thing.”
