A man has been detected allegedly driving at speed and under the influence of alcohol during increased police patrols this Rural Road Safety Month.
Bundaberg Highway Patrol are amid a three-day deployment to the Monto and Eidsvold area to strengthen road safety on rural roads in the Western Corridor.
During high visibility proactive patrols on 15 September, police intercepted a Toyota Hilux allegedly travelling 128 km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Burnett Highway in Cynthia.
The driver, a 42-year-old Nanango man, allegedly recorded a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.119%, which is more than two times over the legal limit.
The man has been charged with drink driving and issued a notice to appear in Gayndah Magistrates Court on 7 November.
The man was also issued with a traffic infringement notice (TIN) for exceed 100km/h by more than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h, costing $751 and four demerit points.
Inspector Shane Draper said the risk of fatal and serious crashes increases in rural and remote areas.
"Longer travel times, higher speeds, fatigue, wildlife, and two-way roads can all lead to an increase in the risk of a crash in rural areas," Inspector Draper said.
"There is a critical need for heightened awareness and caution when driving on rural roads.
"I'd like to debunk any assumptions that police are only in town and on major roads. Expect to see police anywhere and at any time, including rural and country roads.
"Let's work together to prioritise road safety when long-distance driving on rural roads."
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
