Motorists can expect extra police on the roads from tomorrow as the Christmas Road Safety Campaign moves into gear across the State in the lead up to the festive season, Queensland Police say.
Police launched the statewide annual campaign in Brisbane today with the first of a series of targeted traffic operations rolled out from tomorrow.
Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said 33 people lost their lives while more than 2,000 people were injured in traffic crashes during last year’s 50-day campaign.
"We know the devastating impact traffic crashes have across the community and we must do everything we can to reduce the trauma on our roads," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"No matter where you are in Queensland, there will be a boosted police presence on the road networks with officers particularly targeting impaired driving and speeding.
"Throughout the campaign, we’ll be rolling out a series of intelligence driven traffic operations such as random driver testing for alcohol and drugs and speed enforcement on roads and highways in key high-risk areas."
The 50-day Christmas Road Safety Campaign will be conducted over four phases, starting December 9 and finishing on January 27.
ROAD SAFETY FACTS
• 227 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads this year (down 4 on last year)
• 1 in 4 road fatalities involved a speeding driver (2015)
• 1 in 5 road fatalities involved a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol (2015)
• 33 fatalities and 2,068 people injured from traffic crashes during last year’s 50-day campaign
• 624,798 RBTs and 9,287 drug tests were conducted during last year’s campaign
• $365 and three demerit points is the current first offence fine for using your mobile phone while operating a vehicle.
Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating, Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey, Police Minister Mark Ryan, Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski and QFES Acting Deputy Commissioner Neil Gallant attend the Christmas Road Safety Campaign launch in Brisbane.
The new Fatal Five QPS vehicle reminding drivers of the leading contributing factors to fatal traffic crashes.
