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HomeNewsTragic road toll: 21 people died on QLD roads these Easter holidays

Tragic road toll: 21 people died on QLD roads these Easter holidays

Police are urging motorists to take care on the roads now that school is back, after a devastating Easter school holiday period for fatal road crashes.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) wrapped up Operation X-Ray Easter with officers conducting more than 30,000 hours of enforcement to drive home the road safety message.

This resulted in almost 120,000 roadside breath tests and 7500 roadside drug tests conducted between 4 April to 21 April.

Of those tested, almost 2000 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit and more than 750 drivers returned a positive result for drugs and had to undergo further testing.

Police also undertook significant engagement and enforcement action, issuing almost 14,000 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) for serious breaches of the road rules during this period.

Tragically, 21 people lost their lives on Queensland roads over the Easter holiday period, taking the total road roll to 82 in 2025.

Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells acknowledged the devastating statistics, saying any life lost on our roads is a tragedy.

“The devastating reality is that some families spent their Easter holidays grieving their loved ones, instead of getting to spend time together over the break,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.

“We are doing everything in our power to prevent this from happening, which is why it is disappointing to still see so many people taking risks and making bad decisions on our roads.”

Police are also turning their attention to school zone enforcement and education to ensure pedestrians, including young children, remain safe.

“It is another busy morning on our roads today as school commences and young children return to the classroom, so please drive slowly in school zones and adhere to the speed limits,” A/Chief Superintendent Channells added.

“I also ask parents to hold their children’s hands around roads and to remind them that roads and carparks are not safe places to play.”

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