Police to launch 17-day Easter holiday road safety blitz across Queensland

Sixty-six people have died on Queensland roads in the first 86 days of the year – this is the painful truth behind the numbers.

Queensland Police Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said there had been 66 people killed on the roads which is 15 more than this time last year.

The number of people dying on Queensland roads is 30 per cent higher than this time last year with advocates warning if it continues the road toll will be a record after many years.

Queensland Police Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said there had been 66 people killed on the roads which is 15 more than this time last year.

“That is not a statistic we want to hear,” he said.

“That’s 66 people that will no longer be going home to their grieving families that have to put up with that loss.”

He said the conditions were pretty miserable and motorists would be facing really challenging conditions.

“Please drive to the conditions and make sure that you do not get fatigued when you’re driving and take those breaks,” he said.

Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the road toll statistics were a major concern, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

RACQ general manager of advocacy Joshua Cooney said the number was too high.

“It’s 30 per cent higher than the same time last year. At this rate, we are headed for a road toll of 300 or maybe even more,” he said.

“Queensland hasn’t seen a road toll of 300 or more in many years and we don’t want this year to experience that.”

Data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads shows that number has not been hit since at least before 2018.

On Thursday police will launch an Easter road safety blitz which will last for 17 days targeting various roads.

Three people were killed on the Bruce Highway after a horror crash near Maryborough. Carlie Walker

Acting Commissioner Gollschewski said police would be out on the road.

“We’re still seeing way too many people testing positive for alcohol and drugs driving vehicles in this stage,” he said.

“We will continue to focus on that. Do not use drugs, do not drink if you are driving, just simply don’t do it.

“You are a risk to yourself. You are a risk to others on the road and you are a risk to all the families here in Queensland.

“So if you’re going to choose to do the wrong thing here in this state, if you’re going to opt to take risks and put yourself and others in harm’s way.

“We will be looking for you and we will take actions. Our police have been told to make sure that they’re out and about and policing all of our roads as we go over this break.”

Scene of a fatal motorcycle accident on Queen St, Brisbane in January. Motorbikes are overrepresented deaths. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Pilotto said there were two areas of concern this year - motorcyclists and pedestrians.

He said 23 out of 66 had been motorcycle deaths.

“Motorcycles continue to be overrepresented in our fatalities and road toll losses in the community,” he said.

“I implore you as a motorcycle rider, or a partner, friend or loved one of a motorcycle rider, speak to them, talk to them about their riding

“These conditions are terrible in themselves, motorcycle riding, we need to address the number of motorcycle fatalities that we are having.”

Originally published as Police to launch 17-day Easter holiday road safety blitz across Queensland