Police Minister Jack Dempsey has warned drivers Queensland Police will be out in force in every corner of the state this Easter holiday break.

It came as Mr Dempsey, Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart this morning launched the annual Easter Road Safety Campaign.

“Over the coming days police will be out in force across the state ensuring every driver is obeying the road rules and minding the Fatal Five – speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seat belt, inattention and fatigue,” Mr Dempsey said.

“This year’s road toll has already reached a worrying high of 70, that’s 15 more deaths on Queensland roads compared to the same time last year.

“This is unacceptable and I put a challenge out to all drivers in the coming days to make the Easter break fatality free.”

Mr Emerson encouraged all drivers to slow down and stay safe on our roads, to avoid tragedy this Easter.

“To tackle the climbing toad toll, we launched the ‘Better slow down’ ad campaign which is one of the most confronting driver safety television commercials,” Mr Emerson said.

“The advertisement has been on air since last week and targets young male drivers aged 17-24, who were the most over-represented drivers in fatal speed crashes in Queensland.

“This graphic campaign aims to bring home that clear message that there is no such thing as safe speeding and shows the consequences of speeding are tragic, real, and long-lasting.”

Commissioner Stewart called for the support of the Queensland public to exercise safe road behaviours over Easter and to always remember the Fatal Five of speeding, drink or drug driving, fatigue, seat belts and distraction and inattention.

“Traditionally road users are at a higher risk over Easter due to the volume of traffic on the roads. The highest risk is when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“What should be a happy and relaxing time of year can quickly become a nightmare for families and loved ones affected by road trauma.

“We know that accidents occur, however the extent of injury or fatality sustained can be reduced when we, as a community, accept, comply and share the responsibility of road safety with other road users – all it takes is one person to affect or destroy many lives.

“With an increased presence on roads, the QPS will use a consolidated approach of overt and covert methods to reduce the number of serious crashes, injuries and fatalities on the road this Easter.”

Commissioner Stewart said that the best way to stay safe this Easter was be to drive to the conditions, not take unnecessary risks and obey the road rules.

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner Russell Bowles said each year paramedics across the State were confronted with treating patients with traumatic injuries as a result of road traffic crashes and the Easter School Holiday period was no exception.

“Last year, paramedics attended to 949 road traffic crashes over the Easter School holiday period,” Mr Bowles said.  “We’re pleading with drivers to ensure they are well-prepared for their journeys by having proper car restrains in their vehicles and ensure their luggage and other items are secure in their vehicles".

“If you are confronted with an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) Commissioner Lee Johnson said that last year fire fighters attended 573 road traffic crashes during the Easter School Holidays.

“When fire fighters attend these scenes they are often faced with having to use hydraulic cutting equipment to free people from the wreckage of their vehicle. This is difficult and heavy work and often they have to perform this task as quickly as possible to ensure the patients survival,” Mr Johnson said.

“I urge drivers to plan their trip by checking road conditions, prepare for roadside breakdown and always remember, ‘if it’s flooded, forget it’.”