Far north Queensland police were kept busy during the holiday period with more than 200 traffic infringement notices issued during a four-day blitz starting on Christmas day.

Cairns’ Road Policing Unit performed 1,329 random breath tests, with a total of 10 drink drivers allegedly found to be over the legal limit.

Authorities say a male motorist allegedly recorded a reading of 0.192 per cent after a traffic crash, whilst a woman recorded 0.188 per cent at a static random breath testing site.

16 motorists were randomly drug tested with five motorists recording a relevant drug present.

Cairns Road Policing Sergeant Greg Rose says 87 motorists were clocked speeding with the highest speed detected more than 30 kilometres over the limit.

“We continue to urge all road users to use common sense on the roads. Slow down and pay attention to what you are doing,” Sergeant Rose says.

“Our reminders about drink driving should act as a sobering reminder to motorists that your ability to drive a vehicle, identify hazards and react in a timely fashion are compromised once you are over that legal limit.

“Leading into the new year period, we advise people to make plans regarding transport to and from venues.

“Opt for public transport or arrange for a designated driver who’s not drinking to get you to and from venues and home.

“In the event you are travelling throughout the state during the remainder of the school holiday period, ensure you stay well within the speed limits, don’t drink or do drugs and drive and pay attention to what you are doing.

“Ensure everyone is wearing seat belts and ensure you have plenty of rest stops to avoid fatigue issues.”

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says distractions like mobile phones and drink driving have had fatal consequences for many Queensland families in 2016.

“The 2016 road toll stands at 250 – which is seven deaths more than for the previous year and 27 deaths more than our lowest figure of 223 lives lost in 2014.

“Taking your eyes of the off the road to look at your phone, even for a moment, means you could miss something critical happening ahead of you.

“Updating your status or checking your snaps isn’t worth risking your life or those of other road users.

“Drink driving continues to contribute to around one in every five people killed and one in every 12 people seriously injured on our roads.

Mr Bailey says he is urging motorists to stay safe for the remainder of the holiday period.

“Our goal remains to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads, but as we have repeatedly warned that cannot be achieved by government alone.

“Our roads, our vehicles and our drivers have never been safer – the big challenge now is to reach out to individual Queenslanders who continue to take risks or fail to heed road rules.

“I urge drivers, riders, pedestrians, passengers and cyclists to all take ownership of their behaviour and travel safely and considerately.

“I especially plead with every motorcycle rider in Queensland to do the right thing on the road – ride to the speed limit, slow down in wet weather, wear a helmet and protective clothing, obey the road rules and don’t ride under the influence.

The state government says it plans to release a new Road Safety Action Plan in July.