Police target drink-driving across Qld

Police have launched the annual Operation Stopper in the lead-up to Christmas, focusing on drink- and drug-driving across the state this weekend.

Queensland police have put all road users on notice ahead of Christmas with its annual crackdown on drink- and drug-driving getting under way.

Operation Stopper is set to run across the state from Friday night until Sunday, involving thousands of officers across the state.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating says they're focusing on drink-driving in the lead-up to Christmas because of the number of parties at this time of year.

"I think the evidence is pretty clear, it's overwhelming, there are social events for families, for friends, for work groups, for associations at this time of year," Mr Keating said.

While police will be targeting drivers with RBTs this weekend, he said all road users, including pedestrians, need to take care.

"We've had 34 pedestrian-related fatalities this year and we know a number of those fatalities have involved people who have been intoxicated through either alcohol or drugs.

"I spoke to a member of the community, (to have him) tell me that he saw a man move out of a taxi yesterday afternoon and lay on the roadway."

After projecting a relatively low road toll for 2016 earlier in the year, there have been 17 fatalities on the state's roads in December alone - more than one a day.

"These are not made-up stories, these are lives lost and unfortunately, we will see people who are a memory this Christmas, not present for the event."


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Source: AAP


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