Police Crackdown on Dangerous Drivers

In a bid to enhance road safety during school holidays, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has intensified its efforts to tackle dangerous driving in the Far North region. Dubbed “Operation Xray Spring Break,” the initiative sees the State Road Policing Task Force joining forces with the Cairns Highway Patrol Unit to conduct high-visibility patrols.

The operation, which has been active for the past six weeks, aims to address the ‘Fatal Five’ driving behaviors: speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction. Since its inception, police have issued 297 Traffic Infringement Notices and conducted over 7,480 Roadside Breath Tests.

This year alone, 13 fatalities have been recorded on Far North roads, with many linked to preventable behaviors. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Detective Inspector Jason Chetham, emphasizing the importance of planning journeys and reporting suspicious or dangerous driving.

Recent incidents include a 32-year-old man from Earlville who was arrested for multiple offenses, including failing to wear a helmet while cycling. Another case involved a 22-year-old Redlynch man caught speeding at nearly double the limit. These enforcement actions underline the QPS’s commitment to reducing road casualties and promoting safer driving behaviors across the region.