Maryborough Highway Patrol have conducted a traffic operation in the Wide Bay Burnett District as police continue to focus on reducing lives lost on the roads.
The three-day operation, from June 20 to 22, covered around 850km of road, focusing on the western corridor of the district, including proactive patrols of the Bruce Highway between Howard and Childers, the Isis Highway between Childers and Ban Ban Springs, the Burnett Highway between Ban Ban Springs and Mulgildie, and townships including Biggenden, Gayndah, Mundubbera, Eidsvold, and Mulgildie.
Police conducted 155 roadside breath tests with no positive results, and 27 roadside drug tests with one positive result.
Police intercepted a red Holden Commodore on the Burnett Highway in Mundubbera on June 21 for a roadside drug test.
The roadside test allegedly returned a positive result for cannabis and the driver, a 22-year-old Old Cooranga man, was subject to a secondary saliva analysis which also retuned a positive result.
The man was issued a 24-hour drivers licence suspension notice, a saliva analysis notice and a notice to appear in Gayndah Magistrates Court on September 12 for driving with relevant drug in saliva.
19 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) were issued including 15 for speeding, two for driving unregistered vehicles, and one for failing to display P Plates.
Of the speeding offences detected, one TIN was issued to a 30-year-old Dirnbir man for driving a Toyota Hilux allegedly at 125km/h in a 100km/p zone on the Burnett Highway in Gayndah on June 22.
The man was issued a TIN for exceed speed limit in speed zone by more than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h costing $725 and four demerit points.
Officer in Charge Maryborough Highway Patrol Sergeant Josh Churchward said serious road trauma continues to be a significant safety issue for all road users so it's essential that we continue enforcement, education, and targeting dangerous driving behaviour.
"Sadly, the Wide Bay Burnett District has suffered a tragic loss of life across our inland highways and western roads this year," Sergeant Churchward said.
"These fatal crashes have involved a variety of vehicle types including cars, 4WD's, trucks and motorcycles.
"The Fatal Five factors - speeding, mobile phone distraction, drink or drug driving, fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt – continue to be present in many preventable crashes that have a long-lasting and heavy impact across our rural communities and smaller townships.
"Longer travel times at higher speeds and over greater distances all combined with fatigue as well as two-way roads and highways can increase the risk of collision in rural areas.
"Police are urging residents and visitors to drive to the speed limit at all times, ensure they are well rested before getting behind the wheel, always wear their seat belt properly, avoid mobile phone use and other distractions, and never, ever drive after consuming drugs or excessive alcohol.
"Remember, if you're over, it's over.
"Our district Highway Patrol units will continue to work to prevent road trauma so don't be surprised to see police where you least expect them.
"Particularly as we head into the school holidays, I urge you to pay extra attention to your road safety.
"We see a significant increase in traffic volumes across the road network during the school holidays. "If you're off on a road trip, or traveling any distance, over the next couple weeks, please be extra vigilant on the 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
