As part of Rural Road Safety Month, the Queensland Police Service Road Policing Taskforce is increasing patrols of rural roads across Queensland.
This national awareness campaign, which runs throughout September, is a community-based initiative aimed at highlighting the additional risks when driving on rural and remote roads.
Despite being less populated, rural and remote areas accounted for nearly two-thirds of the 2023 road toll, making this a critical focus for police.
Throughout September, the Road Policing Taskforce will be running a special operation dedicated to rural road safety.
The goal is to deploy crews across Queensland, ensuring high visibility patrols in regional and rural areas.
The Taskforce has ramped up road policing efforts on the Burnett Highway and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of all road users.
On Sunday September 1, police detected a vehicle overtaking another at an unsafe speed on Kilkivan Tansey Road in Kilkivan, resulting in a near collision with the police motorcycle.
The 62-year-old Sinnamon Park man was issued an infringement notice for overtaking when unsafe.
On Sunday, September 1, police were patrolling the Burnett Highway, approximately 30 kilometres outside Biloela, when they detected a motorist traveling at 151 km/h in a 100 km/h zone.
The 53-year-old Burleigh Waters man, who claimed he was trying to overtake a truck, was stopped and issued an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limited by more than 40km/h.
These incidents highlight the critical need for heightened awareness and caution when driving on rural roads. Rural Road Safety Month is not just about enforcement, but about education and prevention.
We urge all Queenslanders to get involved in Rural Road Safety Month by driving responsibly and staying alert on rural roads.
Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing fatalities and injuries on our roads.
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
