Darling Downs police are reminding motorists to keep road safety a priority during the Easter holiday break.

Easter is one of the busiest times across the Darling Downs District and road users can expect to see an increased police presence as part of Operation Xray Easter.

The operation includes high visibility patrols and an increase in roadside breath and drug testing.

So far this year, Queensland Police Service (QPS) has conducted more than 488,000 random breath tests and more than 185,000 roadside drug tests across Queensland, detecting more than 9,200 motorists over the legal alcohol limit and more than 37,600 positive indications that motorist have driven under the influence of illicit drugs.

Darling Downs Country Patrol Group Acting Inspector Brett Everest said motorists can expect to see police anywhere, anytime.

“Speeding and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are major causes of fatal and serious traffic crashes.”

“The Queensland Police Service has dedicated drug testing units across Queensland and drug testing devices can detect methylamphetamine, MDMA, THC, cannabis and cocaine. “

“Drugs can affect judgement, vision, coordination and reflexes; you don’t want to be impaired while you are driving.”

Acting Inspector Everest said police will also be utilising speed detection equipment, including speed cameras and conducting overt and covert patrols to slow drivers down.

“In the Darling Downs District six people have lost their lives in fatal crashes. That is six people too many. We want to keep everyone safe on our roads this Easter.”

This article appeared in Allora Advertiser, 16 April 2025.