Police launch Christmas road safety blitz

Anyone travelling on the roads over the Christmas break are being warned to do the right thing or risk being pulled over and fined by police.

A higher police presence will be on the roads throughout the Christmas and New Year's period, with a focus on deterring and detecting speeding drivers, while also encouraging fatigued drivers to take a break on long trips.

Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus is pleading with travelers take their time travelling to their destinations.

“With the school holidays now upon us and more of us poised to travel to spend Christmas with our loved ones, we expect to see an increase of drivers on our roads,” Assistant Commissioner Marcus says.

“We are asking drivers to be patient and courteous on the roads, but also to enjoy their trip and stop for a break when needed.

“Driver fatigue is one of the leading factors contributing to road crashes and can have a direct consequence on your life and those around you.

“If you are heading off on a long trip these holidays, take responsibility for your actions. When possible, arrange to share the driving, and build rest stops into your trip every two hours.

“I want to urge all drivers planning to travel long distances these holidays to please take your time, because every decision you make behind the wheel counts.”

The Fatal Five

This year alone, 267 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads.

The top five causes of fatal crashes in Australia are known as the Fatal Five. They are:

• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of substances (drugs and/or alcohol)
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Driving whilst fatigued
• Driving while distracted (including mobile devices)