Queensland Police are urging motorists to take extra care over the upcoming long weekend.
Senior Sergeant Shane Panoho, officer in charge of the Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol, said: “Last year we lost 308 people on our roads across Queensland. It’s unacceptable in anyone’s terms.”
“Please take care across this last long weekend before our little ones head back to school. Make the most of it, yes, but drive to the conditions and make sure you are doing everything you can to make sure you get home safely.”
With the Sunshine Coast expected to see heavy traffic and numerous major events, additional police will be on the roads, including Noosa, to ensure safe driving and enforce road rules.
“Across this weekend you’ll see additional police out on our roads because we have so much additional traffic. We want to encourage people to go out and enjoy this community, but do so safely,” Sgt Panoho said.
Enforcement will include monitoring speed, seatbelts, and the use of e-devices, particularly as schools reopen.
“Our officers will be out there and they will be undertaking enforcement. Drive to the conditions. Make sure everyone is restrained in your vehicle. My officers did an operation over Christmas, up on the beaches of Noosa’s North Shore — they issued almost 50 seatbelt tickets. Just because you’re driving on the beach doesn’t mean the road rules don’t apply,” he said.
Sgt Panoho also emphasised the dangers of drink-driving. “If you are drinking, don’t drive. Make alternative arrangements.”
As the long weekend approaches, police are reminding all drivers to plan ahead, follow the road rules, and consider the safety of everyone on the roads.
“Drive to the conditions. Buckle up. Watch out for each other,” Sgt Panoho said.
