Police Crack Down on Dangerous Driving Behavior in Sunshine Coast Operation

Sunshine Coast police, including the Highway Patrol, have taken decisive action as part of Operation Sandstorm, issuing over 270 fines to offenders engaging in dangerous driving practices. The operation, which took place at Noosa North Shore over the Easter and Labour Day long weekends, aimed to address various road safety concerns.

During the eight-day period spanning April 18 to 21 and May 2 to 5, police conducted proactive patrols targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt violations, driving while fatigued or distracted, and driving defective vehicles. A total of 2,356 random breath tests and 195 random drug tests were carried out, resulting in several positive detections.

Among the offenses detected, police issued 272 traffic infringement notices for a range of violations, including defective vehicles, seatbelt infractions, and mobile phone usage while driving. Notable cases included an individual driving with an unrestrained child on their lap and another individual operating a defective vehicle under the influence of alcohol without seatbelts for passengers.

Acting Senior Sergeant Keith Preston emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, highlighting the need for all road and beach users to prioritize safety. Despite the enforcement actions taken during the operation, he expressed disappointment at the disregard shown by some individuals for the safety of themselves and others.

The successful deployment of Operation Sandstorm reflects law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring public safety on the roads and beaches of the Sunshine Coast. By targeting and addressing dangerous driving behaviors, authorities aim to create a safer environment for all residents and visitors in the region.