Police across the country are launching operations targeting drivers across the holiday period. Highway Patrol and general duties officers have begun to be deployed to increase police presence on our roads, as state agencies urge drivers to plan their trips and ensure individuals and families get home safely.
The police push comes as the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) released figures showing November 2024 was the deadliest month nationally since 2017 – with 129 people losing their lives last month, adding to the 12-month tally of 1318 road fatalities. State-specific operations include:
New South Wales:
Operation Christmas/New Year 2024 will run from December 20, 2024, to January 1, 2025. Double demerit points will apply for speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences.
South Australia:
Police are alerting motorists to the increased risk of fatal and serious injury crashes. So far in 2024, 82 lives have been lost and 810 serious injuries recorded due to road trauma.
Queensland:
Operation Mistletoe has been launched on the Sunshine Coast, with high-visibility police patrols on roads and beaches. As of December 13, 287 lives have been lost on Queensland roads this year, 20 more than at the same time last year.
Victoria:
Operation Roadwise will run for 20 days until January 1, 2025. Police will focus on impaired driving, conducting widespread alcohol and drug testing.
Last year, over 300,000 preliminary breath tests and almost 9,000 roadside drug tests were conducted during the operation.
Across all states, police are emphasizing the "Fatal Five" behaviors contributing to road accidents: speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt, and fatigue.
The increased police presence will be particularly noticeable in popular holiday destinations and on major highways. Motorists are being warned to expect random breath and drug tests, and to plan their journeys to avoid fatigue.
With the holiday season traditionally seeing an increase in road users, authorities are urging drivers to be patient, avoid distractions, and take regular breaks.
The message from police is clear: prioritize safety to ensure everyone reaches their destination without incident.
