Expect police - anywhere, anytime

Police are today launching their annual winter school holiday road operation - Operation Yankee Cold Snap, which will run from June 27 to July 17.

Increased traffic volumes on Queensland roads during winter school holidays heightens the risk of serious and fatal crashes.

Cooler conditions can also create additional hazards, including reduced visibility from shorter daylight hours and fog and increased risk of wildlife collisions.

Police will maintain a strong and highly visible presence across the state, reminding motorists to expect police anywhere, anytime.

Officers will be actively patrolling, intercepting and enforcing road rules to target dangerous behaviours with a strong focus on speeding and impaired driving.

Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman urged motorists to slow down, drive to the conditions and make safe choices.

“Every decision you make behind the wheel matters,” Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said.

“One moment of impatience, one decision to speed, or one choice to drive impaired can change lives forever.

“If you choose to speed, you are not only increasing your risk of being involved in a crash, but also the likelihood that someone will be seriously injured or killed.”

During Operation Interpose, police did more than 364,000 roadside breath tests, with about 2500 people returning positive results.

More than 43,000 traffic infringement notices were also issued for dangerous driving behaviours across the state.

“You may think you feel fine to drive, but alcohol and drugs can continue to affect you long after consumption, including the next morning,” Assistant Commissioner Wildman said.

“If you’ve been drinking or using drugs, don’t take the risk. Plan a safe alternative, organise a designated driver, catch public transport or arrange a safe ride home.”

“Our officers see firsthand the devastating impact road crashes have on families, friends and communities. Too often, they are preventable and caused by poor decisions on our roads.

“Small actions like checking your speed, never driving impaired, wearing a seatbelt and taking regular breaks can make the difference between life and death.

“Arriving later to your destination is always better than not arriving at all. “These school holidays, think about the people waiting for you to come home. Road safety starts with you.”