Operation Mistletoe sees more than 30,000 RBT’s on Qld roads

More than 30,000 road users have been pulled over by Queensland police this holiday season, with the annual road toll statistics a tragic reminder for the need to drive safely. Full story here.

Operation Mistletoe is in full force as Queensland police remain committed to patrolling the state’s roads this holiday season.

Since kicking off in mid-November, the annual road safety operation has seen more than 35,000 RBT’s conducted and more than 2000 road side drug tests on Queensland roads.

This year the state’s roads have bared witness to 271 fatalities.

At a media briefing in Toowoomba on December 14, Darling Downs District Police Superintendent Doug McDonald revealed 31 people had lost their lives on the region’s roads.

“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.

“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.”

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

The Southern Downs has also seen multiple lives lost on it’s roads this year, with the latest tragedy coming just this month, as well as multiple drink and drug drivers sentenced for their offending on the region’s roads.

Road Policing and Regional Support Command Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said speeding and motorists driving under the influence was a continuing problem.

“Enjoy the festive season but make sure to do so safely,” he said.

“Don’t drink or drug drive, watch your speed, buckle up, limit distractions and be wary of fatigue.

“We’ve lost too many lives on our roads this year in Queensland and the last thing we want to do is break the news that a loved one won’t be making it home for Christmas this year.”

Operation Victor Mistletoe will continue to run through the holiday season to January 25, 2024, targeting road users who are speeding, drink and drug driving, driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt.