Bayside Police Intensify Road Safety Efforts Amid Rising Fatalities

In response to a concerning rise in road fatalities, South Brisbane District police launched Operation RAZE on October 16, focusing on Brisbane's Bayside area.

The operation aimed to address the 'Fatal Five' behaviors: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

During the blitz, Highway Patrol and General Duty officers conducted both high-visibility and covert patrols.

They set up static road safety enforcement sites to perform random breath and drug tests.

The results were significant: 15 individuals faced 22 charges, including driving under the influence, disqualified driving, and unlicensed driving.

Officers carried out 639 random breath tests and issued 24 traffic infringement notices.

Additionally, 50 wandings led to the seizure of one weapon.

These efforts supplement daily proactive road safety activities across Brisbane's southern region.

Inspector Mat Kelly of the South Brisbane District highlighted the urgency of these measures, noting that 10 lives have been lost on Bayside roads this year.

He emphasized that a single poor decision can lead to tragedy and urged all road users to exercise extra caution.

Motorists should be prepared for police to target road safety offenses at any time and place.

Everyone has a role in making local streets safer and reducing fatalities in Brisbane's south.

In conjunction with Motorcyclist Awareness Month, officers engaged with local motorcyclists to promote safety.

As of October 19, Queensland has recorded 242 road fatalities this year, up from 232 in 2024.

The Brisbane Region accounts for 36 of these deaths, with 26 in South Brisbane and 10 in the Bayside area, including three motorcyclists.

Community events like the Bayside Spring Festival, held on September 13 at George Clayton Park in Manly, play a vital role in fostering community spirit and awareness.

Such gatherings provide opportunities for residents to engage with local authorities and participate in safety initiatives.

For more information on road safety and initiatives to make Queensland's roads safer, visit the Queensland Police Service's official website.

Road safety is a shared responsibility, and by recognizing and avoiding the 'Fatal Five' behaviors, serious crashes can be significantly reduced.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." - St. Augustine