Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched its annual Christmas and New Year road safety blitz, Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, urging motorists to make safe choices as the state heads into the holiday season.
With 289 lives already lost on Queensland roads in 2025, Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said police will be out in force - anywhere, anytime.
The operation begins on Saturday 13 December and will run across the entire holiday period, with a targeted crackdown on speeding and impaired driving, including drink and drug driving on both roads and waterways.
A powerful visual reminder stood at today's launch: a Christmas tree decorated with 289 baubles, each representing a life lost on a Queensland road this year.
Commissioner Gollschewski said 289 families are facing Christmas without someone they love.
"These are just not numbers - these represent a parent, child, partner, mate," Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"Their absence is permanent and has profound impacts on their loved ones lives."
Commissioner Gollschewski also urged Queenslanders to take responsibility for the choices they make every time they get behind the wheel or take to the water.
"Every decision you make behind the wheel matters," he said.
"Whether you're heading to a Christmas party, driving to a holiday destination or out on the water, expect to see police. If you choose to speed, drink or drug drive, or take risks, you will be caught.
"Safe driving starts with you."
The Commissioner said the goal of the operation is simple – to stop more families and loved ones from receiving a knock on the door over Christmas.
"We want every Queenslander to arrive home safely," he said.
"We don't want to add another bauble to the tree this year."
Police will conduct thousands of roadside and on-water tests throughout the operation, supported by specialist officers, mobile patrols and targeted enforcement activities across high-risk locations.
Road Policing and Regional Support Commands' Acting Assistant Commissioner, Adam Guild, reiterated that police want everyone to make it home safely - not just this holiday period but every day.
"We know that most Queenslanders do the right thing, and I thank those road users who make responsible choices," Acting Assistant Commissioner Guild said.
"But for those putting themselves, and other road users, at risk - police will be ready to respond the moment you make that choice."
Commissioner Gollschewski said he wanted every Queenslander to start the new year safely.
"This holiday season, make the choices that save lives."
QPS is asking all motorists to plan ahead, drive responsibility and help ensure no more families lose someone they love on our roads.
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
