Community & Business
9 April, 2023
Out in force over Easter
COMMUNITY SAFETY WRAP: POLICE Minister Mark Ryan has joined Queensland Police Service (QPS) Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream and emergency service representatives to launch the Easter Road Safety campaign, reminding motorists there are no excuses when it comes to road safety during these school holidays.
Operation Victor Easter will be conducted until Sunday, 16 April, encompassing the Easter long weekend, in what is expected to be a very busy time on the State’s road network.
Police will conduct targeted operations and maintain a highly visible presence on highways and roads to reduce trauma and fatalities across Queensland.
Many Queenslanders will be taking road trips into un-familiar areas throughout the holiday period and are urged to avoid the fatal five: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired and distracted driving.
QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said there was always increased traffic on the roads with families eager to get to their destinations and travelling in unfamiliar areas during school holiday periods.
“Day or night, ensure you drive to the conditions. Don’t speed or drive affected by drugs or alcohol,” he said.
“We know that we can significantly reduce fatal crashes if motorists avoid the fatal five behaviours: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired and distracted driving.
“Expect to see police conducting roadside operations and patrolling our roads, doing everything we can to reduce road trauma and keep Queenslanders safe.
“Getting stopped by police might be an inconvenience to you, but for us, it is often the best-case scenario when the alternative is responding to a fatal traffic crash.”
Over the Easter long weekend last year, sadly one Queenslander lost their life and 60 injury crashes were recorded across the state, often resulting in life altering injuries.
“One life lost is one too many so please be careful. Every decision you make behind the wheel counts,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream said.
“And remember, there is no second chance if you make a fatal decision behind the wheel.”
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Assistant Commissioner David Hartley said each year paramedics are confronted with traumatic injuries as a result of road traffic crashes over the notorious Easter period.
“Decisions made while behind the wheel don’t just affect the driver, but everyone in the vehicle and other road users,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
“A split-second crash can result in a life-time of rehabilitation or tragically a life cut short.”
