Police have breath tested more than 5,000 drivers through Operation Xray Nitrox, targeting road safety during a tragic time on Wide Bay Burnett roads.
Highway Patrol units from Gympie, Maryborough and Bundaberg ran Operation Xray Nitrox across the district from March 17 to 23.
Sadly, during that time, four lives were lost in three separate incidents in Grosvenor, Goomeri and Biggenden in just four days from March 19 to 22.
Wide Bay Burnett District Officer Superintendent Anne Vogler said it's deeply concerning and saddening.
"Considering the lives we've lost on our roads just this month, it's concerning that we found people speeding, not wearing seatbelts and drink or drug driving - these are all proven as major contributors to serious and fatal traffic crashes," Superintendent Vogler said.
"Driving while tired or distracted round out the Fatal Five - all of which are totally avoidable.
"Simple decisions behind the wheel can make drastic impacts on your life.
"I acknowledge each life lost on our roads and the ripple effect of impact this has on the family and friends of the person we lost, the emergency services and wider community.
"Wide Bay Burnett district police will continue to do all we can to strengthen road safety through education, engagement and enforcement.
"However, I need you to also play your part and take responsibility for the safety of yourself, your family and community.
"During the operation, officers conducted 5,100 roadside breath tests (RBT) across the district which identified seven drink drivers along with 65 roadside drug tests (RDT) detecting 18 drug drivers.
"247 traffic infringement notices were issued for offences including failing to wear a seatbelt, speeding, drink and drug driving, use of unregistered vehicle, defective vehicles, and learner drive motor vehicle not under direction of authorised supervisor or not seated next to supervisor.
"The operation also targeted heavy vehicles with intercept sights set up in Federal and Maryborough."
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
