The Queensland Police Service has launched its annual September school holiday road safety campaign, Operation Spring Break.
This state-wide operation will be in effect until Friday 8 October, with an increased overt and covert policing presence on all major roadways for the school holiday and back to school period.
Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus said as Queensland continued on a trajectory to its worst year on the roads in over a decade, the QPS was pleading with the public to make better decisions behind the wheel.
“We’re about to reach an incredibly grim milestone – 200 deaths on our roads,” he said.
“These aren’t just numbers – that’s 200 people whose lives were cut short, and who have left family and friends behind.
“Your actions behind the wheel are your responsibility and can have very serious consequences. We are asking you to take that responsibility very seriously.
“Police will be out there doing our bit, but we need road users to do theirs too.
“If you’re travelling with your family and enjoying our beautiful Queensland weather, you can expect to see police on the road in both marked and unmarked vehicles patrolling major thoroughfares.
“We want motorists to know that they can expect to see us anywhere, anytime and they should drive accordingly.”
Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan MP said motorcycle rider safety would continue to be a focus during spring and summer, as riders remained over-represented in fatal crashes.
“This past year, we have seen a spike in motorcycle registrations, meaning we are seeing more riders, who remain our most vulnerable road users, on Queensland roads,” he said.
“To date, we have sadly seen 44 motorcycle fatalities on our roads this year – 17 more than last year.”
Minister Ryan said that the Queensland Government and QPS were committed to getting Queenslanders to their holiday destinations and back home again, safely.
“With this warmer weather, I am expecting Queenslanders to take advantage of our beautiful coastline or heading out west to explore,” Minister Ryan said.
“I want drivers to take responsibility for their actions while travelling on the roads to these destinations for the safety of themselves, their families and others.
“If you’re out on the roads and not adhering to the road rules, you can expect to see police.
“We are asking the community to help make this a safe and enjoyable break for all.”
