September 16, 2016
Kingaroy police are stunned by the number of drug drivers they have detected recently on local roads, and worried about road safety with the school holidays beginning.
Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police, Senior Sergeant Duane Frank, said six people had been charged with drug driving in Kingaroy so far this month … with five this week alone.
On Monday, police random checks detected four drivers, all allegedly testing positive to methamphetamine: a 45-year-old woman at 10:30am in Youngman Street; a 63-year-old man at noon in Doonkuna Street; a 21-year-old man at 2:15pm in Alford Street; and a 40-year-old woman at 2:30pm in Kingaroy Street.
All will appear in Kingaroy Magistrates Court in November.
Then on Wednesday evening, police stopped a 43-year-old woman on the D’Aguilar Highway just outside of Kingaroy. She also allegedly tested positive to methamphetamine.
“It is a serious concern to police that people are taking drugs and driving cars, especially when they’re on the roads in the morning and at lunchtime (when traffic is heavier),” Snr Sgt Frank said.
Kingaroy police also conducted a large traffic enforcement operation on Tuesday.
“More than 500 vehicles were stopped and the drivers breath-tested,” Snr Sgt Frank said.
Infringement notices were issued for speeding, defective vehicles, failing to give way at an intersection, and failing to give way to pedestrians on a crossing.
Unlicensed drivers were also detected, as well as unregistered vehicles and an unregistered trailer.
“Roadside drug-testing and breath tests will be continuing over the school holidays,” Snr Sgt Frank warned.
He urged drivers to take extra care if travelling, and to always drive to conditions.
“A remember the Fatal Five: Speeding, Drink and Drug Driving, Inattention, Fatigue and Seat Belts,” he said.
