Police from State Highway Patrol have charged a 17-year-old provisional one (P1) driver after he was intercepted allegedly driving recklessly on Ridgevale Drive, Helensvale, with seven passengers, three of whom were unrestrained in the vehicle’s tray.
At around 1.45am, the Pacific Pines teenager was observed driving recklessly, drifting between lanes near Discovery Drive, Helensvale.
Upon intercepting the vehicle, officers noted three unrestrained passengers sitting in the rear tray.
Roadside breath testing allegedly indicated a breath alcohol reading (BAC) of 0.022 per cent, exceeding the legal limit for a P1 licence holder.
State Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Beth Fletcher said the incident was a stark reminder that reckless decisions behind the wheel could have devastating consequences.
“This alleged behaviour was incredibly dangerous, and it could have easily ended in tragedy,” Acting Senior Sergeant Fletcher said.
“It is disappointing for police to see a young driver allegedly get behind the wheel after drinking, then carry seven passengers in a vehicle not designed to transport them.
“When you overload a vehicle and drive impaired, you’re removing every safety margin. If something goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic.
“Safer roads start with you. Every decision you make behind the wheel matters, and this driver made a choice that put his own life and the lives of his mates in danger.
“Expect police anywhere, anytime. We will continue to target dangerous driving behaviour and hold those who put lives at risk accountable.”
The 17-year-old teenager has been charged with three counts of driving a motor vehicle while a passenger was not in a part of the vehicle designed for carrying passengers, one count of driving while over the no alcohol limit but not over the general alcohol limit as a holder of a P1 licence.
He was also issued three traffic infringement notices, totalling $966 for exceeding the registered seating capacity of a vehicle, driving a vehicle with a modified exhaust system that reduced, or was likely to reduce, its effectiveness, and driving as a P1 licence holder between 11pm and 5am with passengers who were not immediate family members.
He is expected to appear in Southport Children’s Court on 14 September.
QP2601395987 and QP2601395931 refers.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Road safety starts with you.
