This year for Queensland Road Safety Week (QRSW), Brisbane police ran multiple operations and activities aiming to make Queensland roads safer.
Road safety enforcement operation, Operation Whiskey Nitrox, wrapped up a three-day deployment to the North Brisbane District, resulting in charges against 52 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and 17 people driving under the influence of drugs.
From August 23 to August 25, the operation completed more than 2,228 random breath tests (RBT) and more than 20 random drug tests (RDT) at Albion and Boondall.
Police charged a 49-year-old Kallangur man with one count each of driving whilst over the middle alcohol limit, obstruct police officer, and contravene direction or requirement of police officer.
Police allege he was driving under the influence of alcohol, returning a blood and alcohol content reading of 0.128.
He is expected to appear before the Sandgate Magistrates Court on September 23.
In a separate incident, during routine highway patrols on the Ipswich Motorway at Wacol on Monday August 26, an officer intercepted a 62-year-old Ripley man driving with equipment strapped on the side of his motorbike.
The officer issued him with a $362 traffic infringement notice for failure to have proper control of his vehicle.
0:00 – 1:01: QP2401441748, officer intercepting a 62-year-old Ripley man.
1:02 – 1:42: QP2401453302, police charged a 49-year-old Kallangur man.
Chief Inspector Corey Allen said a number of engagement activities also took place to spread the road safety message.
"Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users, with 27-per-cent of fatal crashes in Queensland so far this year relating to a motorbike rider," he said.
"We are urging motorcycle riders and pillion passengers to gear up, ride to the conditions and be aware of the Fatal Five"
"We're calling on all motorists to be aware of our vulnerable road users and take extra consideration, so we can all get home safe."
"The Fatal Five, which includes speeding, driving under the influence, failure to wear a seatbelt, driving fatigued and distraction, are the main causes of road trauma."
"We thank everyone who has engaged with us about road safety at our engagement activities and coffee with a cop events last week."
"Together we can reduce road trauma, keep our loved ones safe and all get home safely."
A motorcyclist engagement activity was held at Mt Glorious café on Saturday August 31.
Attendees had the opportunity to have a coffee with a cop, ask questions, talk about road safety, offer suggestions to improve road safety, and generally interact with police in a non-enforcement arena.
Queensland Police are committed to reducing the trauma on Queensland roads, but we can't do that without your help.
So far this year 31 lives have been lost on Brisbane roads, that is 15 more lives lost than the same time last year.
Police encourage road users to continue to consider the Fatal Five and make choices that get them home safely.
To learn more about road safety and QPS' initiatives to help make Queensland's road's safer, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/road-safety
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing 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
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
