Police target roads - and beaches

Moreton District Police have launched Mistletoe - a high-visibility traffic operation to boost safety on the region's roads and Bribie beach this Christmas.

Operation Mistletoe is designed to minimise road trauma during the busy summer break and back-to-school period.

It will see covert and overt police motorcycles with mobile radars for a targeted and tactical increase in road safety enforcement.

They will also be targeting drivers on Bribie Island’s surf-side beach.

Tragically, as of Friday, 287 lives have been lost on Queensland roads this year - 20 more than this time last year.

In Moreton District, 17 lives have been lost on the roads.

In addition, more than 6000 people have been seriously injured on Queensland roads this year or are facing long-term trauma and hardship.

Moreton District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Adam Guild said every life lost is one too many.

“It is these high number of fatalities that have shaped our increased presence on the roads,” A/Chief Superintendent Guild said. “We cannot continue to see lives being lost.

“Our data shows 95 per cent of fatal crashes are a result of the fatal five: speeding, impairment, distraction, failing to wear a seatbelt and fatigue.

“That means, most crashes are preventable.

“I urge you to be aware of the key factors that can cause a crash, and do everything possible to avoid them, for the safety of yourself, your passengers, other road users and pedestrians.

“Through this operation, you will see an increase in police patrolling major roads and local officers will also be out in force across the entire Moreton district, including the beaches.”

One of the focuses for Operation Mistletoe in Moreton is reckless and dangerous driving on the beach at Bribie Island.

“We want people, locals and visitors from afar, to enjoy Bribie Island instead of having to worry about others driving dangerously,” A/Chief Superintendent Guild said.

“Also, as we head into a summer of unpredictable weather, I urge all road users to drive to the conditions, prioritise safety and remember: If It’s Flooded, Forget It.”

For more on road safety and QPS’s initiatives to help make roads safer, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/road-safety