A large-scale traffic operation in the Central Queensland region which concluded on Friday, resulted in 368 traffic infringement notices being issued on two major highways.
Operation Whiskey Overtake ran across November 19 to November 22, engaging with vehicles traveling in both directions along the Bruce Highway, north of Sarina, and Gregory Highway at Theresa Creek.
The regional road safety operation aimed to focus on heavy vehicle operators and motorcyclists throughout the Capricornia and Mackay Whitsunday districts.
Officers conducted 8,682 roadside breath tests and 279 roadside drug tests, in which 22 motorists returned a positive result.
This included a 51-year-old Sarina Range man who provided a positive roadside drug test result at Sarina. He was given a notice to appear for driving under the influence and was issued with a 24-hour drivers license suspension notice.
38 people were issued infringement notices for driving unregistered or unlicensed vehicles, and 16 people were issued notices for disqualified or unlicensed driving. There were also 362 heavy vehicles intercepted, with 8 cautions issued for biosecurity offences.
184 people were issued with speeding tickets, including a 25-year-old Emerald man who was allegedly observed travelling 157 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the Gregory Highway outside of Emerald. He was issued with a $1,854 fine, the loss of eight demerit points, and an immediate six-month licence suspension.
Capricornia District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Ewan Findlater said the Queensland Police Service is dedicated to keeping motorists safe on Central Queensland’s roads.
“Operations such as these are essential to strengthening road safety in our community,” said Senior Sergeant Findlater.
“We want to remind motorists that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and to remember that every decision behind the wheel counts.”
“Watch your speed, don’t drive while under the influence, take regular breaks when travelling for long periods of time, wear your seatbelt, don’t use your phone while driving, and you can keep yourself, your passengers, and all others on the road safe.”
Vision can be viewed here:
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
