Operation Mistletoe: Motorcyclists, drink and drug drivers at height of road safety operation

With the latest fatality on our roads coming just last week, safety should be at the forefront of all our minds. However Operation Mistletoe has already seen an alarming amount of drug drivers caught on our region’s roads in a matter of weeks.

Darling Downs emergency service representatives came together to remind road users to be mindful when travelling on roads this holiday season.

Operation Mistletoe rolled out Queensland wide as of November 17 and has seen four drink drivers and upwards of 20 drug drivers allegedly caught on Darling Downs roads.

Darling Downs District Police Superintendent Doug McDonald said the region’s road toll had now reached 31 fatalities.

“There’s 31 people in our region who won’t be going home to their families this Christmas, which is 31 people too many,” Superintendent McDonald said.

Superintendent McDonald said motorcyclists were of particular concern to police, with the most recent fatality coming just last week.

“We’ve had many deaths this year related to motorcyclists, we need motorists to be aware of motorcyclists when driving on roads, but we also need motorcyclists to ride to the road conditions and their ability in particular,” Superintendent McDonald said.

Darling Downs Superintendent Douglas McDonald during the road safety briefing at Kitchener St Fire Station on December 14, 2023. Photo: Jessica Klein

Emergency service representatives reinforced the importance of planning ahead of your journey and ensuring drivers take regular breaks when driving long distances.

Queensland Ambulance Service Acting District Chief Superintendent Jamie Taylor said taking an extra five minutes to ensure you’ve planned ahead could save lives.

“One accident can have a very big ripple effect across the community, state and the nation,” he said.

Distracted drivers, drink and drug drivers make up a large number of fatalities on Darling Downs roads, with emergency service representatives pleading to road users to consider the wider implications of their actions.

Queensland Ambulance Service Acting District Chief Superintendent Jamie Taylor during the road safety briefing at Kitchener St Fire Station on December 14. Photo: Jessica Klein

“It may seem like a minor thing to you, but that will have an everlasting impact on loved ones, first responders and family members,” Acting District Chief Superintendent Taylor said.

“Spend that extra five minutes to make sure you make it there alive.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Lawler said emergency fire and rescue crews play a major role in road safety.

“Along with the casualties and loved ones who are impacted by road crashes, our emergency services staff and volunteers are also impacted by the events,” he said.

“Emergency services personnel are just like you and I, they themselves have loved ones and attending traffic crashes is not a pleasant experience for any one them.

“We must be mindful of the health consequences to these men and women in our services.

“Take care and please stay safe on our roads this Christmas.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Lawler at the road safety briefing at Kitchener St Fire Station on December 14. Photo: Jessica Klein

Toowoomba Region councillor Carol Taylor said road users cannot afford to relax or ignore basic road rules at an especially busy time on our region’s roads.

“Unfortunately, road crash figures indicate motorists are taking too many risks endangering other road users and themselves,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Council and emergency services are united in our efforts to remind motorists to observe road rules ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday or go about their daily business.

“Everyone deserves to travel safely and celebrate the Christmas-New Year season with their family and friends.”

Ms Taylor asked road users to consider the fatal five before getting behind the wheel.

“Remember, give your total attention to the road and surrounding conditions on every journey (and) always observe the fatal five: avoid driver distractions, avoid speeding, drink and drug driving, wear a seatbelt and never drive when tired,” she said.

Originally published as Operation Mistletoe: Motorcyclists, drink and drug drivers at height of road safety operation