BRISBANE, Queensland, Jan. 28 -- Queensland Police Service issued the following media release:

With this week marking the start of the 2025 school year, police are reminding road users to slow down and be on the lookout ahead of the return to an increase in traffic and pedestrian activity around school zones.

The call comes as the state faces a devastating beginning to the year, with 23lives lost on Queensland roads to date (as of midnight January 27).

This includes 2people killed in traffic crashes across the Darling Downs District.

Darling Downs District Country Patrol Group's Chief Inspector Danny Shaw said the current road toll is deeply concerning.

"These are not just statistics, they represent mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who have tragically had their lives cut short."

The figures come at the conclusion of the latest statewide road safety blitz, Operation Mistletoe, which has seen officers right across Queensland deployed on high visibility road safety operations with the aim of reducing the lives lost on Queensland roads.

As of January 17, Operation Mistletoe has resulted in police issuing 1182 infringement notices and charging several people on multiple offences across the Darling Downs District.

This includes seven people charged with high range drink driving, 118 people charged with drug driving, 11 people charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and 13 people charged for unlicensed and/or disqualified driving.

A 27 year old female was caught driving 123km/h in an 80km/h zone on Lawlers Rd in Helidon and an 18 year old male was caught driving 103km/h in a 60km/h zone on Boundary Street in Cotswold Hills.

Chief Inspector Shaw said looking at the year ahead QPS will continue to deploy targeted and tactical road safety operations to make our local roads safer.

"We want to remind all road users that while this operation may have ended our commitment to road safety has not."

"With children now returning to school, road users have a role to play in ensuring every child arrives and gets home safely each and every day."

Chief Inspector Shaw said with increased traffic on our roads and school zones back in force it is important road users are aware of the change to road conditions and plan ahead accordingly.

"We know our roads get very busy during those peak times before and after school so it's a good idea to factor that into your trip. This might mean having to leave home 10 minutes earlier to ensure you arrive safely and on time."

"Remember whether you're a driver, rider, passenger, or pedestrian, your actions matter."

To learn more about road safety and QPS's initiatives to help make Queensland's roads safer, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/road-safety

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.