Queensland police charged 33 people with drug driving offences following the week long road safety operation, Operation Auster, across the Southern Region.
Officers from Ipswich, Darling Downs and the South West came together to conduct targeted and highly visible patrols on the region’s highways and roads, as well as engage with local communities on the importance on road safety.
Between Sunday May 28 to Friday June 2, police issued 279 traffic infringement notices, 129 of those were for speeding offences.
21 infringements were issued for disqualified or unlicenced drivers, and 26 for unregistered vehicles.
Sadly, one life was lost as a result of traffic crash in Weir River.
2,205 breath tests were conducted, with six drink drivers detected.
Acting Inspector Craig Berry said that the amount of drug drivers detected was particularly alarming, with 33 drug drivers detected as a result of 204 drug tests.
“That is an incredibly concerning figure to think about on our country roads,” Inspector Berry said.
“It is not just your life at risk when you get behind the wheel affected by drugs or alcohol, other motorists are also at risk.”
“Police have spent the week targeting highways and roads, maintaining a highly visible presence for motorists.”
“Too many people are killed and seriously injured each year on Queensland roads as a result of drug driving.”
“Everyone needs to get home safely,” Inspector Berry said.
