Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging road users to carefully consider their behaviours this holiday season following a devastating weekend before Christmas, with six lives tragically lost on Queensland roads from 19-21 December.
Sadly, these losses mark the devastating milestone of more than 300 lives lost on Queensland roads so far this year, with the current toll of 301 an increase of 10 compared to the same period last year, and just one fewer than the total number of lives lost in 2024.
Road Policing Group Chief Superintendent, Mark Wheeler, said the weekend's tragic losses are a stark reminder of the impact every decision on the road can have.
"We are devastated to report that six lives were lost on Queensland roads this past weekend, and our hearts are with the families, friends and communities who are mourning amid the holiday season," Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.
"These six lives are more than a number. They are parents, children, partners and friends, whose absence will be felt around the tree on Christmas morning, under the fireworks on New Year's Eve, and every day for years to come.
"They also remind us of the reality we all face behind the wheel – every decision matters.
"Our officers are doing everything they can, every day – conducting patrols, enforcing the road rules and trying to make sure loved ones make it home safely.
"However, we also urge all Queenslanders to remember that their choices on the road make the difference between making it home safely, or not at all, and we hope they will support our officers on the roads this holiday season by making every decision a safe one," Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.
Queensland police have been actively patrolling and enforcing road safety statewide, following the launch of the high-visibility road safety blitz, Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, on 11 December.
On 18 December, Road Policing Task Force officers intercepted a 21-year-old Gold Coast man after observing him driving at a speed of 167km/h in a signed 80 zone.
The driver completed roadside breath and drug tests, where he allegedly produced a saliva sample that tested positive for cannabis.
He was issued with a high-speed traffic infringement notice, and investigations remain ongoing into related drug driving charges.
Within the South Brisbane District, police conducted Operation X-Ray Moffett on the evenings of 19 and 20 December, organising roadside breath test (RBT) sites at Kangaroo Point, Woolloongabba, Moorooka, Carina, Mackenzie and Kuraby.
Across the two days of the operation, officers completed a total of 3,359 RBTs and 49 roadside drug tests (RDTs), detecting 52 positive drink drivers and seven positive drug drivers.
In addition to this, a total of 66 traffic infringement notices were issued to drivers not obeying the road rules.
While undertaking the operation, officers intercepted a 26-year-old East Brisbane man after allegedly observing him driving at a high speed.
Police will allege that, upon completing a roadside breath test, the driver produced a breath sample over the general alcohol limit.
Upon further breath analysis testing, it will be alleged the man produced a breath sample of 0.150%, and was issued with a notice to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 7 January 2026.
Acting Senior Sergeant Jay Jordan, Officer in Charge, Upper Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol, said the operation highlights the positive behaviours of many road users, and the dedication of officers in this busy period.
"Our officers are working around the clock during this busy holiday period, conducting roadside operations like Operation Moffett, to deter dangerous behaviours and enforce the road rules," Acting Senior Sergeant Jordan said.
"Their dedication and commitment to the safety of our community is something we are incredibly proud of, and their efforts help keep Queensland roads safe.
"However, we also recognise the many Queenslanders who are doing the right thing – driving responsibly, staying alert, and looking out for one another – to not only protect their own lives but also the lives of everyone sharing the road.
"As we approach the festive season, we encourage all road users to continue making safe decisions – whether it's planning a safe way home, sticking to the speed limit, or simply staying focused on the road, these small actions can have a big impact.
"By working together, we can help make this holiday season a safer and happier time for everyone."
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
