Video released by the QPS:
March 7, 2024
The Road Police Taskforce issued more than 1200 fines and conducted more than 7000 roadside breath tests during a recent month-long blitz in the Wide Bay-Burnett targeting dangerous driving.
Police conducted 7246 roadside breath tests between January 31 and February 25, resulting in 13 motorists being charged with drink-driving offences and 37 drivers returning positive roadside drug tests.
Police issued 851 traffic infringement notices for speeding, including seven for driving more than 40 km/h over the speed limit.
Seven people were issued fines for using their mobile phone while driving, 16 for failing to wear a seatbelt and 10 for driving without a licence.
In one case, a motorbike rider was allegedly detected travelling at 163km/h in a 100km/h zone. Upon inspection, the motorcycle was also found to have defects. A 22-year-old Urangan man was issued a traffic infringement notice for high-end speeding.
Acting Inspector Gareth Bosley, from the Road Policing Group, said the Wide Bay Burnett District had seen six fewer lives lost on roads this year compared to last year.
“However, some of the driving behaviours seen by police were alarming,” he said.
“In two instances police cars were forced off the road by other vehicles overtaking illegally. Unfortunately, in all too many instances, this is how lives are lost.
“Also of concern was that in several instances, unmarked police cars were overtaken by other drivers travelling at high speed.
“The operational results prove these strategies are effective in disrupting dangerous behaviour on our roads and police will continue to target these irresponsible behaviours for everybody’s safety.
“There was a 40 per cent reduction in total crashes in the last month during the conduct of this operation. One life lost is too many and whilst people continue to drive irresponsibly, placing others, their passengers and themselves at risk of death or serious injury, police will continue to deliver targeted operations to keep reducing road trauma.”
