Queensland Police are ramping up their road safety efforts over the Easter long weekend, following a devastating start to the school holidays that has already claimed 15 lives on the state’s roads.
Dylan Anderson
Operation X-ray Easter Targets Fatal Five
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched Operation X-ray Easter, a high-visibility campaign focused on the Fatal Five behaviours that contribute most to road trauma: speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, distraction, and failure to wear seatbelts.
Since April 4, police have already conducted over 64,000 roadside breath tests and nearly 4,000 roadside drug tests. Alarming results show 1,118 motorists tested over the legal alcohol limit and 432 tested positive for drugs, highlighting widespread non-compliance.
Police Visibility Ramped Up
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said Queenslanders should expect increased roadside breath testing, drug testing, and patrols.
“Police officers will be doing everything they can to stop the horror road toll from growing any higher over the long weekend,” Minister Purdie said.
“Drivers should expect to see more RBTs and high visibility patrols targeting those unfit to be behind the wheel due to drugs and alcohol.”
A Tragic Toll
So far, 15 people have lost their lives since the beginning of the Easter school holidays – equal to the total fatalities recorded for the entire holiday period last year.
Acting QPS Commissioner Shane Chelepy described the early figures as deeply troubling:
“The results of the first 10 days of this operation illustrate the danger that people are putting themselves and the community in by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – and this is simply unacceptable.”
Dylan Anderson
QPS Sends a Strong Message
Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said the emotional toll of road deaths is unbearable, and the focus remains on influencing better driver behaviour.
“That’s 15 families who are preparing and attending funerals instead of spending the long weekend with their families, and it’s horrific,” he said.
“We are determined to reduce this figure and the emotional toll it takes on families and friends every year – but that is a role that we share with the community.”
QPS is urging motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and drive patiently.
“Motorists should expect to see us anytime, anywhere – we just want everyone to get home safely,” Channells added.
Stay Safe This Easter
Authorities are calling on the community to do their part in reducing Queensland’s road toll by making smart, sober decisions behind the wheel. The Easter blitz will continue through the long weekend as QPS works to protect all road users.
Learn more about Queensland's road safety efforts at police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
