Sunshine Coast police are dedicated to ensuring a safe road environment over the Easter school holidays using a combination of high visibility and covert police presence.
During the Easter period in 2022, the Sunshine Coast district recorded one fatality and 31 traffic crashes with injury.
As of the start of April, the state road toll stood at 52, with motorcyclists being over-represented at 21.
Sunshine Coast police will be doing their part to promote road safety and enforce road rules over the Easter holiday period, conducting three road safety operations.
Operation Victor Easter will be targeting the fatal five (drink-driving, drug-driving, seatbelts, fatigue and speeding); Operation Riptide will see several random breath-testing sites placed around the Coast; and Operation SMER will be targeting traffic enforcement in the hinterland over the Easter weekend.
The state recorded more than 471 motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the Easter weekend last year, and 48 of these offences were committed on the Sunshine Coast.
Over the Easter weekend, the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit along with the Department of Transport and Main Roads will be in Kenilworth and Maleny educating motorcyclists on road craft, safety gear, fatigue and rider behaviour.
Police are warning drivers they will be anywhere at any time.
Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol will be saturating the Bruce Highway, Teewah Beach and the hinterland.
Remember, if you are travelling over the Easter holidays get a good night’s sleep, avoid driving at times when you are normally asleep, avoid driving after a long day at work, take regular rest breaks (at least 15 minutes every two hours), arrange share driving if you are driving over a long distance, and if you know you are fatigued don’t drive.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, but it starts with you.
This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day at Queensland Police – Reporting.
You can also report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at Crime Stoppers.
