Police urge drivers to stay focused on the roads this Easter

Police Commissioner Stewart joined by fellow emergency services personne, Queensland Police sayl

Motorists travelling on Queensland roads this Easter period are asked to stay focused and share the road with care, particularly in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer representing Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan today joined Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to launch the 2018 Easter Road Safety Campaign.

During the five day Easter break in 2017, 3787 drivers were issued infringement notices for speeding, 15, 711 drivers were detected speeding (camera) and 299 people were charged with drink driving offences.

The Fatal Five – drink driving and drug driving, fatigue, inattention, not using a seat belt and speeding – are the most common killers on Queensland roads.

Commissioner Stewart said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) would play a key role in ensuring road safety and compliance by employing high visibility patrols on major road networks throughout the state.

"Easter is one of the busiest periods on our roads. It’s a time when many families travel long distances to reach their holiday destination," Commissioner Stewart said.

"For this reason, we will be staging officers from the Road Policing Command in high risk areas actively enforcing the Fatal Five.

"In the lead up to the games, this year in particular, we are asking road users travelling along the Pacific Motorway to exercise caution and specifically to heed the warning of the dangers of speeding and distraction.

"The Queensland Police Service is committed to keeping Queenslanders safe on the roads, and we ask that drivers show tolerance and respect for all road users this Easter."

FAST FACTS

  • In 2017 police conducted 82, 223 RBTs over the five day Easter break
  • There were two fatalities on the state’s roads during this period, however 236 people were injured as a result of traffic crashes
  • 155 motorists were issued with infringements for talking on their mobile phone
  • In 2017 3787 drivers were issued infringement notices for speeding and 15, 711 were detected speeding (camera) and 299 people were charged with drink driving offences
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s).