Queensland Police have launched Operation Mistletoe in the Wide Bay Burnett district to minimise road trauma during the busy summer break and back to school period.
The annual high visibility traffic enforcement operation coincides with the official beginning of school holidays and will see covert and overt police motorcycles, fitted with mobile radars, on the road to provide a targeted and tactical high visibility surge in road safety enforcement.
The commencement of Operation Mistletoe also follows the launch of Operation Corridor in Bundaberg.
Tragically, as of Friday 13 December, 287 lives have been lost on Queensland roads in 2024, which is 20 more lives lost compared to the same time last year.
Wide Bay Burnett District Officer Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip said the high number of fatalities had shaped the increased police presence on the roads.
“In the Wide Bay Burnett district alone, 27 lives have been lost on the roads,” Acting Superintendent Inskip said.
“In addition, more than 6,000 people have been seriously injured on Queensland roads this year or are facing long-term trauma and hardship.
“We have one of the highest numbers of fatal traffic crashes in the state and it cannot continue.
“We take this extremely seriously.”
Acting Superintendent Inskip said there needed to be a tactical and targeted approach, with increased high-visibility police patrols, to help foster safer roads for all users including drivers, riders and pedestrians.
“QPS 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,” he said.
“That means, most crashes are preventable, so I urge you to control the things you can control and do everything in your power to avoid these key crash-causing factors.”
Operation Mistletoe will not only see an increase in police patrolling roads, but locally police will also be targeting reckless and dangerous driving on the beach.
“This is your reminder that road rules apply on the beach,” Acting Superintendent Inskip said.
“If you wouldn’t do it on the Bruce Highway, don’t do it on the sand.
“Also, as we well know, summer can bring unpredictable weather, so I urge all road users to drive to conditions, prioritise safety and remember: If It’s Flooded, Forget It.
“Let’s all look out for each other and work together to make Queensland roads safer for everyone this Christmas.”
To learn more about road safety and QPS’s initiatives to help make Queensland’s roads safer, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/road-safety/
