Mackay Police Urge Drivers To Make Road Safety A Daily Habit

Police are reminding Mackay motorists that road safety is an everyday responsibility after more than 160 traffic offences were recorded during the first weekend of the winter road safety campaign. Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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Queensland Police are reminding Mackay motorists that safe driving shouldn't begin and end with the school holidays, after a concerning number of traffic offences were detected across the Mackay Whitsunday district during the opening weekend of the state's winter road safety operation.

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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) launched Operation Yankee Cold Snap, its annual winter school holiday road policing operation, on Friday 26^th June. Running until 17^th July, the operation aims to reduce road trauma during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

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With more Queenslanders and visitors expected to be on the roads over the school holidays, police are urging drivers to remember that every decision made behind the wheel has the potential to save, or cost, lives.

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The opening weekend of the operation highlighted the importance of that message locally.

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Across the Mackay Whitsunday district, officers conducted 1,324 random breath tests, with 10 drivers returning positive drink-driving results. Police also carried out 26 roadside drug tests, with five drivers returning positive results for drug driving.

In total, 163 traffic infringement notices were issued across the district, including 98 for speeding offences.

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Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards said every motorist has a responsibility to help make the region's roads safer.

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“Our officers will be actively patrolling, intercepting and enforcing road rules, and curbing dangerous and reckless behaviours - not just through our busy school holiday periods, but year-round,” said Senior Sergeant Edwards.

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As winter conditions create additional hazards on Queensland roads, police are also reminding motorists to adapt their driving to changing conditions.

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“Winter brings about a unique set of hazards, including reduced daylight hours and fog, so we urge everyone to exercise patience and drive to conditions.”

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Statewide, Operation Yankee Cold Snap is placing a strong focus on speeding and impaired driving, two of the leading contributors to lives lost on Queensland roads.

Queensland Police said cooler weather can also increase the risk of reduced visibility and wildlife collisions, making driving conditions more unpredictable, particularly for motorists travelling on regional roads.

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The operation follows the results of Operation Interpose, during which police conducted more than 364,000 roadside breath tests across Queensland, with about 2,500 people returning positive results. More than 43,000 traffic infringement notices were also issued for dangerous driving behaviours statewide.

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While police will maintain a strong and highly visible presence throughout the school holidays, they hope the message extends well beyond the three-week operation.

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“We want everyone to make it to their next destination safely, and by slowing down, driving sober, wearing a seatbelt, and staying alert, it can make all the difference for you, your passengers, and other road users,” Senior Sergeant Edwards said.

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