Two Ipswich drivers have been penalised following recent road policing activity in the district.
Police were conducting speed enforcement on the Ipswich Motorway near Wacol when they observed a white Suzuki Grand Viatra driving in the breakdown lane, filtering around congested traffic on 31 August.
After being stopped by police, the driver of the vehicle, a 25-year-old Raceview man, completed a roadside drug test, which police allege indicated the presence of a relevant drug in his saliva.
The man was transported to Springfield Station for a secondary drug test, which allegedly returned a positive result.
The man was fined $690 and penalised three demerit points for driving without due care and attention and was issued with a notice to appear before Ipswich Magistrates Court on 1 September in relation to a drug driving charge. QP2601702779 and QP2601703420 refer.
On 22 September, police were conducting mobile patrols on Karrabin Rosewood Road, Karrabin, when a police motorcycle was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision with a white Mitsubishi Lancer driving on the wrong side of the road on 22 September.
Police spoke with the driver, a 17-year-old Ipswich boy, and issued him with a traffic infringement notice for failing to keep left of the centre dividing line, resulting in a $310 fine and three demerit point penalty. QP2601883512 refers.
Officer in Charge Ipswich Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Jarrad Tyne said that staying focused on the road is one of the simplest measures a motorist can take to reduce their risk of crashing.
"Driving without due care and attention remains a leading contributor to road trauma, and I urge all drivers to remain focused on the task of driving," Senior Sergeant Tyne said.
"Even a single second of inattention drastically reduces a driver's ability to identify and react to hazards on the road, and can cause a catastrophic crash.
"Ipswich Highway Patrol urges all drivers to pay attention to what they are doing behind the wheel, and consider the safety of all road users - not just themselves.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
As part of Operation Interpose, police are bolstering high-visibility patrols right across the state, engaging with road users and enforcing the laws to deter dangerous driving behaviours.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Road safety starts with you.
