Calls for drivers to slow down and pay attention with Christmas here

Police will spare no expense in clamping down on driver’s bad behaviour as Christmas approaches. Expect more breath tests, speed traps and highway patrols.

POLICE are pleading with motorists to slow down and drive with caution as we enter the Summer holiday period.

The Darling Downs road toll currently sits at five less than this time last year and police are doing all they can to keep drivers alive.

But they need your help.

“It is important that people are careful on the road so that they can spend time with their family and their loved ones,” Darling Downs Country Patrol Inspector Danny Shaw said.

“Christmas is a tough time to spend in hospital and it will be even tougher for your family if you are not there at all.”

Just this weekend police have been called to several crashes, including a truck that rolled west of Toowoomba and a motorist who died after crashing into a tree at Cooyar.

The Queensland Police Service’s Operation Sierra Noella will start soon and will see extra resources tasked to enforce the road rules.

There will be more congestion on our roads this year, with fewer options for overseas travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Insp Shaw said drivers can expect more breath tests, speed traps and highway patrols.

Police will also take motorists to task if they do not pay attention to their fatigue levels.

“Over the holidays people will punch out huge hours to get home,” he said.

“But being awake for 17 hours has the same effect on your driving as having a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.05 per cent.”

“People need to be aware of how long they will have to drive for and to make sure they take a worthwhile break.

“It will save their lives and the lives of other road users.”

Originally published as Calls for drivers to slow down and pay attention with Christmas here