November 13, 2012
There have been 69 deaths on roads in the North Coast police region – which covers the South Burnett – 20 more than at the same time last year.
This big rise is one of the reasons police are currently out in force as part of a statewide traffic operation targeting drivers ignoring The Fatal Four ahead of the busy holiday period.
Operation Q-Blitz started on November 1 and aims to reduce the number of traffic crashes on the State’s roads and send a strong message to drivers ahead of the Christmas period.
Police will be conducting extra patrols and road safety activities throughout the month-long operation.
North Coast Regional Operations Co-ordinator Chief Superintendent Ray Pringle said he hoped the operation would help drive home the importance of road safety.
“We are urging everyone in the community to help us stop the senseless and disturbing road toll trend across the region,” Chief Supt Pringle said.
“People speak emotionally of the horror of death in conflict and disasters around the world, yet are too often oblivious when it comes to road trauma on our own door step.
“The net of despair is cast broadly for those directly or indirectly impacted by serious crashes. Emergency workers and health staff endeavour to make sense of the carnage and repair what remains.
“Many unaffected people think it won’t happen to them and they often put little priority on being safer and tolerant road users.
“Regrettably, our region has had a poor record this year when it comes to road trauma and fatal traffic crashes and it is disappointing to see the high number of traffic offences in our region.”
During October, more than 9000 traffic infringement notices were issued, including 4600 for speeding offences, 442 mobile phone offences and 198 seatbelt offences.
There were also 376 drink driving offences, which equates to about 12 drink drivers detected every day.
“Police will continue to maintain a zero tolerance attitude towards catching and charging those who drink drive and put themselves and other road users at risk,” Chief Supt Pringle said.
“We are pleading to motorists to take extra care on our roads, follow the fatal four and ensure they don’t become another statistic.”
Operation Q-Blitz will continue across the state until November 30.
