The Queensland and Northern Territory Governments are urging drivers to be safe on all roads over the Easter long weekend.
There have already been 15 lives lost on Queensland roads since the start of the school holidays on April 4, which is the same number of people killed over the entire school holiday period last year.
The Queensland Police Service is currently conducting Operation X-ray Easter to target the “Fatal Five” – speeding, drink driving, fatigue, seatbelts and distraction – with thousands already caught breaking the law.
Police have conducted 64,682 roadside breath tests and 3,815 roadside drug tests as of 8am on April 15.
Of those tested, 1118 motorists were found to be over the legal alcohol limit and 432 drivers returned a positive result for drugs and had to undergo further testing.
Dan Purdie, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, warned drivers to expect a high visibility police presence to continue across Queensland over the long weekend.
“Police officers will be doing everything they can to stop the horror road toll from growing any higher over the long weekend,” he said.
“Drivers should expect to see more RBTs and high visibility patrols targeting those unfit to be behind the wheel due to drugs and alcohol – with impaired driving one of the major causes of crashes in Queensland.
“Easter is a great time to be hitting the road to explore our great state, but please do your part to keep yourself, your passengers and other motorists safe.”
In the Northern Territory, the State Government has launched a new road safety campaign, delivered in partnership with the Motor Accident Compensation Commission.
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The campaign highlights the confronting reality that Territorians are four times more likely to die on the road than the national average.
Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister, said every death on Territory roads was one too many, and immediate behavioural change was the key to saving lives.
“We often hear people talk about the ‘road toll’ but this isn’t a price anyone should have to pay,” she said. “No one should lose their life on our roads.
“Last year, the Northern Territory recorded the highest number of road deaths in a decade, including a rise in pedestrian fatalities. These aren’t just numbers. These are lives cut short, families grieving, and communities left shattered.
“Our message this Easter is clear: drive like our lives are worth living. We want everyone to get home safely no matter where you’re headed.”
The campaign comes as NT Police ramp up enforcement across the long weekend, targeting dangerous driving behaviours including speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt use, driver distraction and fatigue, known as the Fatal Five.
Will Oliver, Motor Accident Compensation Commissioner, said the consequences of road trauma extended far beyond the crash site.
“MACC provides care and recovery support to those injured on Territory roads, but we would much rather prevent trauma than respond to it,” he said.
“This campaign is a call to action. It’s time for Territorians to step up and drive like every life on our roads matters because it does.”
For more information, visit: www.ntmacc.com.au/
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