Moreton Police team up with Josh Arnold to spread Christmas road safety message

No more fatalities – that is what officers at this police station want for Christmas this year. To help spread the message they have teamed up with a popular singer – WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Police in this region north of Brisbane have asked Santa for just one thing this year – no more fatalities.

It comes as close to 300 people have died on Queensland roads this year – one of the worst records of recent years.

As a result many families in the Moreton region will have a loved one missing from their Christmas table this year.

The lives lost include teens, young adults, mums, dads, grandfathers and grandmothers.

In an effort to put a stop to the toll Moreton Police teamed up with country singer Josh Arnold to put together a catchy song to remind people of the fatal five ahead of the festive season.

“Strap yourself, get your mind on the road, all the ones you love are at the other end.

“Put the phone away.

“Doesn’t matter if the trip takes all day.

“Take a break, stay awake, when you arrive you can have a drink and celebrate.

“Let’s all travel safely, keep making Christmas memories.”

Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said police would conduct high-volume covert and overt road safety enforcement activities during the festival break.

“Since January 1, 272 lives have been lost on Queensland roads,” Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said.

“This means more than 200 families will have an empty seat at the table this Christmas as a result of bad decisions made on our roads.

“To curb this horrifically high number, Highway Patrol officers taking part in Operation Tango Mistletoe will be out on roads and highways across the Christmas long weekend and drivers should expect to see us anywhere at any time.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said since December 10, police had detected more than 4,300 driving offences across Queensland.

“In the past two weeks, more than 3,200 on-the-spot fines have been issued for speeding, 97 for using mobile phones while driving and 150 for not wearing a seatbelt,” he said.

“Additionally, about 600 people were caught drink driving and 277 were caught driving with illicit drugs in their system.

“Everyone one of these drivers has not only put their own life at risk, but the lives of those around them as well. Quite frankly, this is not good enough.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said with interstate motorists expected on Queensland roads and drivers planning long road trips away, fatigue management should be front-of-mind when travelling over Christmas.

“Fatigue is one of the fatal five for good reason,” he said.

“Every year we see too many drivers make the dangerous decision to drive while tired, instead of making regular rest stops.

“Think about what matters to you this Christmas, it’s up to you to make the right call before getting on the road this long weekend.”

Operation Tango Mistletoe will continue until January 28.