Police have wrapped up a targeted traffic operation in the Darling Downs district today as part of continued efforts to reduce the number of lives lost, or injured, on Queensland roads.
Coinciding with the start of some school holidays last Friday, Operation Whiskey Nitrox focused on life endangering offences like speed, impaired driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts, vehicle compliance and roadworthiness, and heavy vehicle offences.
The seven-day operation, running from November 30 to December 6, saw police partner with several other government agencies to carry out roadside breath testing, stationary observation, and overt and covert mobile patrols along highways and major road corridors.
Static interception sites were established at Goondiwindi, Stanthorpe, Warwick, South Burnett and the Lockyer Valley across the seven days.
Results from Operation Whiskey Nitrox included 3630 RBT's resulting in 6 drink drivers being caught, and 152 roadside drug tests resulting in 30 drug drivers being caught.
Police also issued more than 268 Traffic Infringement Notices including 116 for speeding with one driver detected travelling at 154km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Gore Highway at Millmerran.
In total 25 people were charged with 27 traffic offences.
As of December 5, there have been 279 lives have been lost on roads across the state in 2024, 28 of which have occurred in the Darling Downs district.
Darling Downs Chief Inspector Danny Shaw from the Country Patrol Group said results from Operation Whiskey Nitrox prove why it's so important to have this road safety initiative here in the Darling Downs to crack down on those putting their life and other lives at risk on our roads.
"We're disappointed that there are drivers still blatantly disregarding theirs and others safety on our roads by driving at high speed and also affected by drugs and alcohol."
Chief Inspector Shaw said Queensland Police are committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
"With Christmas just around the corner we want to remind everyone to be aware of the risks and how to reduce them, so no one has to feel the pain of losing a loved one, especially at this time of year.
"Initiatives like Operation Whiskey Nitrox help to ensure we take a continued proactive approach in helping to ensure road users drive responsibly and with care and consideration for themselves, their passengers and everyone else."
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
