Officers from the Road Policing Task Force have clocked up almost 21,500km patrolling highways in the state's Central Region in a six-day operation focused on identifying dangerous driving behaviours on highways between Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Toowoomba, Dalby and Miles.
Commencing on March 12, the 11-strong contingent issued more than 600 infringements - 518 to speeding drivers.
Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said it was important that drivers did not become complacent during long distance highway driving as the safety of themselves, their passengers and the wider community could be at risk.
"The decisions you make on the roads can have real consequences - the behaviour that members of our Task Force have seen during this operation is simply not acceptable," Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said.
"One driver was detected on the Peak Downs Highway between Mackay and Moranbah. He thought he got away with it until he realised he sped past an unmarked police car.
"He learnt a very valuable lesson - when you're out on the roads, there are officers you can see and those you can't. If you're doing the wrong things expect to see us anywhere, anytime."
Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder expressed his frustration at the dangerous behaviour of a motorcyclist with a pillion passenger was detected speeding twice within seven minutes at Charters Towers.
"Motorcyclists are among our most vulnerable road users and if they crash at speed, the consequences can be catastrophic," he said.
"This rider not only put his own life at risk but also the life of his pillion."
Officers from the Road Policing Task Force detected a number of heavy vehicle related offences including speeding, altering work diaries and not having adequate rest breaks.
Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said the offences detected involved a range of road users and clearly showed how important it was for motorists ensure our roads are a safe place.
"We can be out and enforce the law all day every day but ultimately, decisions on the road come down to the person behind the wheel or on the motorcycle - it's your responsibility and we want people to take that seriously," he said.
Across the six-day period almost 230 roadside drug tests were conducted resulting in six drug drivers being detected. Four people received an infringement for not wearing a seatbelt and two for using a mobile phone.
The Road Policing Task Force will continue to patrol highways across Queensland to detect dangerous driving behaviours that lead to road trauma.
Statistics – Road Policing Task Force
March 12 - 18
- 6 days
- 7 vehicles
- 11 officers
- 21,480km travelled (3,580km per day)
- Total infringements - 605
- Speeding - 518
- Drug driving - 6
- Seat belt - 4
- Mobile phone – 2
- Drug tests - 229
