FEWER people have been caught drink and drug-driving throughout the July school holidays but the numbers are still too high, bayside police have warned.
Police said 34 drug and drink-driving offences occurred between June 29 and July 20, 13 fewer than in the same three week period last year.
Bayside patrol group tactician Senior Sergeant Dave Eugarde said the result was encouraging but warned drivers to take more responsibility.
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“It was pleasing to note that the fatal five message is resonating with the public, particularly drink and drug-driving,” he said.
“However, even one drink or drug-driver is too many and the Queensland Police Service is committed to ensuring every motorist arrives at their destination safely.”
The crackdown on bad driver behaviour was part of a state-wide police effort to enforce road safety throughout the school holidays.
Speed, drink and drug-driving, seat belt compliance, fatigue and driver distraction were all targeted in Operation Cold Snap to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.
Senior Sergeant Eugarde said the police’s bayside patrol group, which included Capalaba road policing unit, spent 218 hours enforcing road rules throughout the July school holidays.
He said 166 traffic enforcement notices were issued and 147 life-endangering offences detected.
“In the bayside patrol group area, members of the Capalaba road policing unit led a concerted policing effort to minimise the risk of serious injury and fatal traffic incidents,” he said.
“The June (and) July school holiday period is traditionally a busy time on the state’s road network, with families taking advantage of the holiday period to travel to destinations across the state.”
Data from the Transport and Main Roads Department shows 138 people have died this year in road crashes, three more than in the same period last year.
Of those, 67 were driving at the time.
Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said road carnage was often preventable and urged all drivers to take care.
“More than 100 individuals have died but many more have been affected,” he said.
“The ripples of grief spread far and wide to family and friends.”
The Fatal Five
- Speeding
- Drink and drug driving
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Fatigue
- Distraction
