The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched its annual Easter Road Safety Campaign, reminding families to travel safely during the school holidays.
Operation Uniform Easter involves police promoting road safety in Easter holiday traffic thoroughfares across the State.
Assistant Commissioner for the QPS, Ben Marcus said it was imperative that everyone on the roads put road safety first.
“We know everyone is eager to get to their holiday destinations, but it’s important to ensure everyone is driving to the conditions and avoiding driving tired,” Assistant Commissioner Marcus said.
“Travelling can mean driving on unfamiliar roads and through a variety of environments and weather,” he said.
“Day or night-time, ensure you drive to the conditions, be patient and plan your trip properly.”
Assistant Commissioner Marcus said travellers could expect to see police anywhere, anytime conducting roadside operations and patrolling the roads.
He said last year’s Easter long weekend saw six road-related deaths.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach said that while school holidays were traditionally a busy time for emergency services personnel responding to structural fires and road crash rescues, recent severe weather presented an added risk.
“For families to enjoy their holidays safely, it is critical to know their location and what steps to take if they require emergency assistance,” Commissioner Leach said.
“We have seen challenging conditions this severe weather season, which has impacted roads and changed landscapes,” he said.
Commissioner Leach said it was common for holidaymakers to forget their location during the stress of an emergency, particularly while camping or travelling in remote locations.
“Every second counts in an emergency,” he said.
“When you are sure of your exact location, valuable minutes can be cut off emergency response times, potentially saving your life.”
Commissioner Leach said Fire Communication Officers took more than 1,400 triple zero calls during the Easter school holiday period last year.
