Drive Safe as Schools Reopen

Queensland Police Service (QPS) is calling on motorists to enhance their road safety vigilance as the Easter school holidays conclude and students return to school. This appeal is aligned with the ongoing Operation Yankee Easter Break aimed at boosting traffic law enforcement during this busy period.

With the operation initiated on April 3, QPS has intensified patrols and enforcement across Queensland, focusing on curbing speeding, and distracted, fatigued, or impaired driving. Over the holiday period, police issued upwards of 10,600 traffic citations for unsafe driving behaviors, including 4,000 for speeding violations alone. Additionally, officers conducted over 75,500 breath tests and 1,800 drug tests, identifying more than 1,200 impaired drivers.

A notable incident involved a 56-year-old Victorian man caught exceeding the speed limit in a heavy vehicle on the Gateway Motorway. Subsequent tests confirmed drug presence, leading to charges of drug driving and a court summons for June 24.

Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman emphasized the critical nature of high-visibility police operations during such high-traffic periods. He highlighted the increased risks during school holidays and the role of consistent law enforcement in preventing traffic-related incidents. Wildman also stressed the collective responsibility for road safety, especially as school zones become active again.

As the operation wraps up, QPS remains committed to its high-visibility efforts, particularly around school zones. Wildman’s message to the public is clear: slow down, stay alert, and drive responsibly. The choices drivers make not only affect their safety but that of the entire community, particularly vulnerable road users like children.

The Queensland Police continue to urge all drivers to adhere to road laws and consider the safety of all road users, reinforcing that road safety begins with individual actions.