November 1, 2018
Kingaroy Police are frustrated that drivers are still putting their lives at risk on local roads by ignoring repeated road safety messages.
Officer-in-charge of Kingaroy Police, Senior Sergeant David Tierney, said that in the past week alone two motorists had been caught committing high-speed driving offences on South Burnett roads.
At 8.55pm last Wednesday, a driver was caught driving at 149km/h in a Ford Falcon on the D’Aguilar Highway at Coolabunia.
“When questioned, the 24-year old Nanango man stated that he had been letting off steam after finishing a stressful shift at work,” Snr Sgt Tierney said.
The second driver was caught in almost exactly the same spot on Tuesday this week.
The Holden Commodore sedan, being driven by a 54-year-old man, was caught doing 147km/h.
“Both offenders were issued infringements notices and will disqualified from driving for six months due to it being a high speed offence,” Snr Sgt Tierney said.
“Police are getting frustrated with the public ignoring their pleas and community education programs.
“At present there have been 51 fatalities on the roads in the Southern Region, eight more than this time last year with the traditionally worst period still ahead of us (Christmas holidays).
“Three of those fatal crashes have been in the South Burnett area.”
Snr Sgt Tierney said a “Fatal Five” factor had been identified in 76 per cent of fatal crashes in a regional or remote location.
Speed had been a factor in 41 per cent of fatal crashes.
“Travelling on the roads could be the most dangerous thing you and your loved ones do these holidays,” Snr Sgt Tierney said.
“Unfortunately family and friends are lost every year during what should be a time of celebration and togetherness.
“They are normal people going about their normal lives.
“The overwhelming majority of accidents can be attributed to human error. Errors made by normal people
“Police will continue to prioritise enforcement for the Fatal 5 – speed, impaired driving, seat belts, fatigue and inattention – as these behaviours contribute to most fatal and injury crashes on our roads.
“To aid in this police will be running a traffic operation for the remainder of the year targeting these offences, because education doesn’t seem to be making a difference.”
