Operation Cold Snap to target fatal five over the winter school holidays

Published Thursday, 25 June, 2015 at 08:15 AM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Jo-Ann Miller

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and Commissioner Ian Stewart have today launched Operation Cold Snap to target bad driver behaviour over the winter school holidays.

Minister Miller said this year’s operation, which will run from Friday June 26 until Friday July 17, would focus on the fatal five – the most common killers on Queensland roads.

“The winter school holidays are always a busy time on our roads with people often travelling long distances over a relatively short period of time,” Minister Miller said.

“With more people on the roads, comes a greater risk of a serious crash and that’s why the QPS will be out in force right across the state this winter break.

“Our traffic officers will not hesitate to take enforcement action against drivers who continue to ignore our warnings – particularly those who speed, drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs, drive tired, don’t wear a seatbelt or use their mobile phone behind the wheel.

“Queenslanders will notice an increased police presence on the roads from tomorrow. Officers in both marked and unmarked police vehicles will be out in force using speed cameras and conducting roadside breath and drug testing.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said this year, police would particularly focus on driver inattention and the inappropriate use of mobile phones behind the wheel.

“Any time your attention is taken away from the road you are putting yourself, your passengers and other drivers at risk,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Mobile phones are one of the major causes of driver inattention. It’s simple – don’t use your phone while driving unless you have a suitable hands free device.

“If you must use your phone, make sure you have pulled over safely before you touch it. Nothing can be that important that you would risk your life or others to answer a call or send a text.”
Minister Miller said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to keeping Queenslanders safe on the roads.

“The horror of the Easter school holidays is still fresh in our minds. I’m urging all Queenslanders to slow down and take it easy on the roads during the winter break.

“All it takes is a wrong split second decision to take an innocent life. We want everyone to have a happy and safe break. We’ve had enough tragedy this year.”

In 2014 the road toll in Queensland was 223, which was the lowest since records began.

As at midnight, the road toll stands at 116, which is 14 more than the same time last year.

[ENDS] June 25 2015

Media contacts:

Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) – 0438 696 185

Police Media – 3015 2444