Queensland Police Service's (QPS) Southern Region will be out in force from today April 2, as part of an intensive Easter road safety campaign aimed at reducing serious crashes and saving lives on local roads.
Locally as part of Operation Yankee Easter Break will be targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as well as road users at higher risk, including pedestrians and motorcyclists.
In addition to roadside breath and drug testing police will also be ramping up overt and covert activities including mobile patrols targeting high risk behaviours.
The operation follows the release of the Southern Region's 2025 Fatal Crash Assessment which has revealed 59% of road crashes involved drink or drug affected drivers, while 37% of crashes involved speeding.
Southern Region Operations Inspector David Campbell said with those concerning figures in mind residents need to take extra care while travelling, particularly in regional areas where traffic can increase significantly during the holiday period.
"This time of year, can be devastating for families and communities when lives are lost on our roads. Each crash leaves a lasting impact, so we are urging everyone to make the right choices behind the wheel." Inspector Campbell said.
In 2025 a total of 307 lives were lost on Queensland roads including 53 in the Southern Region. This included 31 lives lost in Darling Downs District, 16 in Ipswich District and six in South West District.
As of 2 April 2026, there have been 73 lives lost on Queensland roads including seven lives in Darling Downs District, nine in Ipswich District and one in South West District.
"Taking simple precautions can be the difference between life and death, so slow down, look twice and make sure everyone gets to their destination safely."
The easter road safety operation will run until April 24, with police committed to protecting the community and preventing road trauma through visibility, enforcement and education.
Vision Timestamps:
0.00-0.28
Around 10.55am on March 25, police intercepted a 2010 Holden Commodore allegedly travelling at 142km/h in a 100km/h zone along the Cunningham Highway at Karara.
The driver, a 39-year-old Warwick woman was issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) resulting in a $1919 fine and loss of eight demerit points.
0.28 - 0.32
Around 5.40pm on March 25, police were conducting a traffic operation when they intercepted a 2024 Toyota Hilux allegedly travelling at 101km/h in a 70km/h zone along Toowoomba Connection Road at Withcott.
The driver, a 35-year-old Kearneys Spring man was issued with a TIN resulting in a $1251 fine and loss of six demerit points.
0.32 – End
Around 6.15pm on March 25, police intercepted a 2010 grey Toyota RAV4 travelling along Toowoomba Connection Road at Redwood.
The driver, a 38-year-old Glenwood allegedly returning a positive breath alcohol concentration of 0.112 per cent.
He has been charged with driving under the influence and was issued a Notice To Appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 28 April.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated. Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Safer roads start with you.
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