Police Target Dangerous Driving in Townsville

Townsville police are targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, and other dangerous behaviours across the region during Queensland Road Safety Week, which runs from August 17 to 21. The operation forms part of the broader Rural Road Safety Month campaign throughout August.

Police allege a 59-year-old Bushland Beach man was detected driving a red Holden Commodore at 142 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on Riverway Drive, Rasmussen, earlier this month. The driver allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test and was charged with driving with a relevant drug in his saliva. His licence was suspended immediately, and he received a $1,986 infringement notice and eight demerit points for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h. He is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on October 14.

A static road safety operation on the Bruce Highway at Rollingstone on August 17 resulted in 37 heavy vehicle intercepts and 37 random breath tests, all of which were negative. Police said further static and mobile patrols, along with community engagement activities, would continue throughout the week.

Townsville District Acting Superintendent Damien Crosby said 10 people had died on roads in the district since January 1, compared with eight at the same point last year. Senior Sergeant Rob Nalder urged motorists to avoid speeding, distraction, fatigue and impaired driving, and to wear seatbelts.