WITH THE September school holidays underway, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched Operation Xray Spring Break, a state-wide campaign targeting unsafe driving behaviours during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

As of September 18, 2025, 218 people have lost their lives on Queensland roads. Many of these tragedies were linked to preventable behaviours such as speeding and drink or drug driving, making road safety an operational priority for police.

Motorists can expect to see police anywhere at any time, with high visibility patrols and roadside enforcement focusing on the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.

Police will also be conducting roadside drug and breath testing, and proactive high visibility and covert patrols across the region, from main roads and highways to rural roads and back streets.

Highway Patrol units from the Sunshine Coast and Gympie will be deploying to the Great Sandy National Park, and motorists can expect to see police patrolling Rainbow Beach, Teewah and the surrounds to set the tone for expected driving behaviours on the sand.

Further south, Moreton North Highway Patrol will also be focused on beach drivers on Bribie Island.

North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner Kevin Guteridge said police take a zero-tolerance approach to reckless behaviour on our roads and beaches.

“Once drivers hit the sand, unfortunately, we can see a lapse in responsibility and respect for the road rules,” Assistant Commissioner Guteridge said.

“The offences we tend to see on the beach are drink or drug driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and dangerous driving. Tragically, we’ve seen these actions result in serious injury or death.

“Please take into consideration your environment, the unpredictable terrain, tide times, the condition of your vehicle, and most importantly, the campers and beach goers around you.

“Whether you’re driving on the bitumen, a dirt road or the sand, the same road rules apply.”

Running from Saturday, September 20 to Frida,y October 10, Operation Xray Spring Break covers the school holidays and the first week of the new term, when traffic volumes are at their peak and the risk of crashes is significantly higher.

Learn more about the Fatal Five and how to stay safe on Queensland roads here: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads