Police are urging drivers to be on the lookout for vulnerable road users as Easter holidays wrap up and children begin returning to school this week across the Southern Region.
The return to school comes as Operation Easter Break, a three-week road safety operation targeting speeding, fatigue and impaired driving, enters in final week across the region.
In addition to roadside breath (RBT) and drug testing (RDT) police have been ramping up overt and covert activities including mobile patrols targeting high risk behaviours.
During the holiday break officers from the Darling Downs District Districts conducted 4676 RBT’s resulting in 50 people charged with drink driving and 293 RDT’s resulting in 52 people charged with drug driving.
Officers also issued 452 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINS), 200 of which were for speeding.
Officers from Ipswich District conducted 4840 RBT’s resulting in 39 people charged with drink driving and 98 RDT’s resulting in 22 people charged with drug driving.
Officers also issued 431 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINS), 252 of which were for speeding.
While officers in the South West District conducted 2757 RBT’s resulting in 12 people charged with drink driving and 61 RDT’s resulting in three people charged with drug driving.
Officers also issued 149 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINS), 119 of which were for speeding.
Around 11.15am on 3 April police were conducting patrols at Texas when they intercepted a Mazda 3 allegedly travelling at 155km/h in a 100km/h zone along Texas-Yelarbon Road.
The driver a 22-year-old Pottsville man was issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) resulting in a $1919 fine and loss of eight demerit points.
He is also alleged to have returned a positive roadside drug test and was charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs and issued a drug diversion.
Around 6.45pm on 3 April police were conducting patrols when they intercepted a Mitsubishi Lancer allegedly travelling at 118km/h in a 60km/h zone along Toongarra Road at Wulkuraka.
The driver an 18-year-old Walloon man was issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) resulting in a $1919 fine and loss of eight demerit points.
Around 11.35am on 4 April, police intercepted a 2022 Jeep Gladiator allegedly travelling at 146km/h in a 100km/h zone along the Moonie Highway at Moonie.
The driver, a 56-year-old Traveston woman was issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) resulting in a $1919 fine and loss of eight demerit points.
Southern Region Operations Inspector David Campbell said while many drivers made responsible choices over the Easter break, it was disappointing to see a number of road users still engaging in risky behaviour such as speeding and driving while impaired.
“It’s disappointing that despite repeated warnings; police are still seeing some road users engaging in risky behaviour that puts lives at risk on our roads.” Inspector Campbell said.
As of 19 April, there have been 95 lives lost on Queensland roads including nine in Darling Downs District, 12 in Ipswich District and two in South West District.
Inspector Campbell said with students returning to classrooms this week road users need to be prepared for increased traffic around schools during drop off and pick up times.
“As school returns this week, we know traffic volumes increase significantly during the morning and afternoon commute, so we’re asking motorists to factor in extra time to get to work and school.”
“Rushing, speeding or taking risks on the road can have serious consequences and no appointment or school drop off is worth putting lives at risk.”
Inspector Campbell said with school zones now back in operation road users can expect to see police out patrolling school zones and surrounding roads to help ensure everyone get to and from school safely.
“Children can be unpredictable around roads, so we’re asking road users to slow down, stay alert, and watch out for kids walking, riding or crossing near schools.”
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.
*Please note data is preliminary and may be subject to change as officer reports are finalised.
