Police have identified 29 alleged drug drivers and detected a P Plater allegedly driving 143km/h in a 60 zone during a traffic operation in Hervey Bay, as police continue to work to limit road trauma this National Road Safety Week.
Operation Xray Afrino, conducted from May 1 to 5, was established to ensure both road safety and good crowd behaviour during an annual motoring event in Hervey Bay.
Led by Highway Patrol Maryborough, police conducted 1, 679 random breath tests with two positive results and 142 random drug tests with 29 positive results.
Through high visibility and covert proactive patrols, police also issued 287 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) for a range of offences.
Speeding was a particular concern across the weekend with multiple people detected allegedly driving 40km/h over the speed limit.
On May 2, a 35-year-old Eli Waters woman was detected allegedly driving a Kawasaki motorcycle at 112km/h in a 60 zone, with a child passenger on the back of the bike in Dundowran.
She was issued a TIN for exceeding the speed limit in speed zone by more than 40km/h costing $1,854 and eight demerit points.
Police issued the same TIN to a 25-year-old Sunshine Acres man for allegedly driving a Holden Commodore at 108km/h in a 60 zone in Nikenbah on May 1, a 19-year-old Coes Creek man for allegedly driving a Mitsubishi Triton at 155km/h in a 100 zone in Cherwell on May 3 and a 18-year-old Eli Waters man for allegedly driving a Holden Commodore at 143km/h in a 60 zone in Nikenbah on May 4.
Police also detected a 37-year-old Dundowran man allegedly driving dangerously on a Kawasaki motorcycle and doing a burnout during the event on May 3 in Pialba.
He was issued two TINs for wilfully drive motor vehicle causing sustained loss of traction of wheels and driver not have proper control of vehicle costing a total of $892.
The motorbike was also immobilised for 90 days.
Maryborough Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Sergeant Josh Churchward said there are serious consequences for dangerous behaviour on our roads.
"You could lose your licence or your vehicle, have to attend court or pay a significant amount of money in fines," Sergeant Churchward said.
"But more importantly, you could lose your life, or end someone else's.
"We talk about road safety a lot because we continue to see it not being taken seriously.
"Two of the high-speed TINs that were issued were to teenage P Platers - it is extremely dangerous for anyone to drive at those speeds, but even more so for those with limited driving experience.
"This National Road Safety Week, I urge you to reflect on the responsibility you have behind the wheel.
"Police will continue to conduct operations like this one, in addition to the traffic enforcement and education action we take every day.
"Road safety continues to be a priority for police in the Wide Bay Burnett district, and I ask the community to join with us in making our roads safer for everyone."
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
