Police crack down on drink drivers over the Easter long weekend as school holiday period sees devastating road toll

• Three Queenslanders have lost their lives on our roads these school holidays
• Police have conducted 14,676 RBTs, with 341 people detected drink or drug driving
• Police continue to do everything to keep Queenslanders safe on our roads but are pleading with motorists to do their part

Police are pleading with motorists to drive safely this Easter long weekend after charging more than 340 people with drink and drug driving offences so far these school holidays.

Operation Victor Easter has been underway since Saturday April 1, with three people killed on Queensland roads in just five days.

Any death is a tragedy for the family and friends involved, as well as the first responders.

Already this year, 62 lives have been lost on Queensland roads, 23 of those were motorbike riders.

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“Three people have lost their lives on Queensland roads these school holidays. That is three families who are now making funeral arrangements rather than enjoying their time off. This number is simply too high,” Mark Ryan said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families as well as those who have already lost a loved one on Queensland roads this year.

“Police have been out in force on our roads doing their part to bring this number down, but motorists have a vital role to play.

“Don’t drive affected by alcohol or drugs, don’t speed, don’t drive while tired or distracted and wear your seatbelt. These are really simple measures, but they are critical.

“One wrong decision on our roads can end your life or someone else’s, and one death can ruin the lives of dozens of people.

“We know we can do better, and we’re pleading with motorists to do better,” Mark Ryan said.

Quotes attributable to Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream:

“Police, as always, remain committed to bringing these numbers down, and are doubling down on this commitment ahead of the Easter long weekend.” Chris Stream said.

“Three lives lost is too high. 136 drug drivers is too high. 205 drink drivers is too high.”

“We are planning to increase the amount of RBTs we’ve conducted over the first five days of this operation.

“The more drink and drug drivers we can get off the roads, the more people we’re getting home safely to their families.

“The same goes for speeding drivers and distracted drivers. Wherever you’re travelling across the state this weekend, expect to see a police officer.

“Don’t be the reason someone doesn’t make it home to their families. Every decision you make behind the wheel counts,” Chris Stream said.

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

• 3 lives already lost on Queensland roads these school holidays
• 128 injury crashes so far resulting in 166 people injured
• QPS have conducted 14,676 RBTS during Operation Victor Easter
• 341 motorists caught while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• 1,334 infringements issued to speeding drivers
• 2,061 infringements in total including 20 for mobile phone offences ($1,078 fine and 4 demerit points) and 25 seatbelt offences ($1,078 fine and 4 demerit points)

ENDS