Operation Cold Snap, 2014

Whilst it may have been holidays for some police were out in force over the recent school holiday period working to keep Queensland roads safe.

Operation Cold Snap was conducted between June 27 and July 18 with this year’s focus on driver distraction and inattention as well as driving unlicensed.

The operation also targeted the other Fatal Five of speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear seatbelts and driving while fatigued.

There were thirteen deaths on Queensland roads during the period and more than 850 people injured.

“While these deaths and injuries may have been less than what we saw last year, it is still disappointing to see that so many families have suffered this type of tragedy over a holiday period,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said.

The operation saw officers across the state conducting over 217,000 random breath tests with 1280 drink drivers detected. Over 1200 drivers were tested for drugs with 96 positive detections.

Over 70,000 drivers were detected by speed cameras with 14,707 tickets issued for speeding.

“We are constantly amazed at how many people feel the need to speed,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said. “Getting to your destination safely should be your number one priority, not meeting a deadline.  Leave early and give yourself extra time and there should be no reason to speed.”

The operation also saw 738 tickets issued for seatbelt offences and 1353 tickets issued for drivers using mobile phones.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.