Police urge drivers to slow down as school returns

QUEENSLAND Police (QP) are urging motorists to slow down and take extra care around school zones as children return to the classroom following the September school holidays.

The warning comes after police issued more than 13,400 traffic infringement notices across Queensland during Operation Yankee Spring Break, which ran from September 19 to October 6.

More than 6,800 of those notices were for speeding, while 70 motorists were caught using mobile phones and 100 were fined for not wearing a seatbelt correctly.

Police also detected more than 1,000 drink and drug drivers during the holiday period.

With school back, motorists in Coolum and across the Sunshine Coast are being reminded to be particularly careful around school drop-off and pick-up times, when there can be increased numbers of children walking, riding bikes and crossing roads.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Timothy Partrige said drivers should not become complacent now the holidays have finished.

“There is no excuse for speeding or driving dangerously – especially around school zones,”  Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige said.

“When you are driving around vulnerable road users, even a split second of distraction can cause a tragedy.

“We urge all road users to think about their actions on the road – slow down, pay attention and drive with care around our schools.”

Police said the holiday operation had targeted dangerous driving behaviour on major highways, local roads and around popular holiday destinations.

While most motorists were doing the right thing, officers continued to intercept drivers speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and committing other traffic offences.

One driver was allegedly caught travelling at 179km/h in an 80km/h zone near Park Ridge South, while another allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading more than five times the general legal limit.

The statewide operation will close on October 10, with ongoing road safety enforcement continuing under Operation Interpose.

Police said motorists should expect to see ongoing patrols across Queensland.

For all road users, the message is simple – slow down, put the phone away and keep an eye out for children, particularly around schools and busy local roads.

“No matter where you are, you should expect police anywhere, anytime”, said Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige.

“Whether it’s in the city or out on our rural roads, we want everyone to get to their destination, and police will continue their important work of keeping Queensland road users safe.”

#queenslandpolice #roadsafety #qps #operationyankeespringbreak #roadrules #fatalfive #queensland