Officers from the Highway Patrol, with the support of police divisions of Westwood, Duaringa, Blackwater, Emerald, Rolleston, Springsure, Anakie and Capella, have conducted a high-visibility traffic operation across the Central Highlands.
Operation Country, which ran from 9 August to 5 September, involved high visibility patrols that targeted road-related offences across the Gregory and Capricorn highways.
As part of the effort, officers conducted 3,195 roadside breath tests and 31 roadside drug tests, in which 34 motorists returned a positive result.
172 people were issued infringement notices in total, including 24 Type 2 offences.
A 48-year-old Blackwater man who was allegedly observed travelling 153 km/h in a 110 km/h zone, resulted in a $1,780 fine, the loss of eight demerit points, and an immediate six-month licence suspension.
District Officer Acting Superintendent Ben Carroll said this operation focused on reducing the number of fatal and serious injury crashes on roads across the Central Highlands.
"Serious road trauma continues to be a significant safety issue, particularly in rural and remote areas," said Superintendent Carroll.
"With September being Rural Road Safety Month it is a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible driving when travelling long distances and on open roads."
"Our commitment is to save lives which is why it is essential that we continue to target and enforce dangerous driving behaviour."
"Every decision behind the wheel has the power to save or take a life, and we remind all road users to remember that road safety is everyone's responsibility."
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
