As kids return to the classroom this week, motorists are being reminded school zones are back in effect from today to ensure everyone's safety.
Queensland Police have spent the past few weeks of the school holidays conducting significant road safety engagement, including high-visibility patrols and operations, as part of Operation X-Ray Cold Snap.
Between June 28 and July 13, officers conducted more than 39 000 breath tests and 2200 roadside drug tests.
More than 600 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit, while more than 450 returned a positive result for drugs and had to undergo further testing.
Police also issued more than 9000 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) for serious breaches of the road rules during this period.
Police are extremely concerned, following some of the high speeds detected, particularly involving young and inexperienced drivers and vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists and are calling on parents and loved ones to talk about safe driving with at risk drivers.
On July 6, an 18-year-old man was detected travelling at 97km/h over the speed limit when he was observed travelling at 177km/h in an 80 zone at Park Ridge.
Police from Cairns Highway Patrol conducting patrols detected another 18-year-old male driving Mazda hatchback travelling 129km/h in a 70 zone along Lower Freshwater Road in Barron, Cairns on July 7.
The driver was issued with two traffic infringement notices for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/hr and for driving a high-performance vehicle without exemption.
On 1 July 2025 near Marian, a 55-year-old male motorcyclist was also detected travelling 56kmh over the speed limit, he was observed travelling at 136km/h in an 80km zone.
Acting Chief Superintendent of Road Policing Steven Newland said it was disappointing to see people still ignoring the road rules and putting themselves and other road users at risk.
"Travelling at nearly double the speed limit is unacceptable behaviour - there is no excuse for those kinds of speeds," Acting Superintendent Newland.
"Our officers have been out and about conducting road safety operations to make sure everyone makes it home safely, but we need all motorists to also play their part."
"With kids going back to school and school zones back in action, we urge everyone to drive to the conditions, slow down and remember the Fatal 5."
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
