Officers from Townsville Highway Patrol Group have fined a 56-year-old Emerald man after detecting him travelling at 155km/h in a signed 100km/h speed zone on Friday 24 July.
Whilst patrolling on Gregory Development Road at around 10.50am, police observed a silver Toyota Landcruiser travelling at speed towards them.
Apon activating the mobile radar, police detected the man travelling at 155km/h.
During the intercept, the driver allegedly told officers he had been distracted.
The man was issued with a traffic infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h and fined $1,986 and eight demerit points for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h.
Queensland Police are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all road users and reducing the number of lives lost on Queensland’s roads.
Following a tragic year on our roads, Disaster and Emergency Management command Acting Deputy Commissioner Rhys Wildman said police are using every opportunity available to prevent road trauma, but we cannot do it alone.
“Our officers are out on Queensland roads every day, conducting proactive patrols, intercepting dangerous drivers, undertaking roadside drug and alcohol testing, investigating serious traffic offences and responding to crashes,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Wildman said.
“We take every opportunity to engage with road users, enforce the road rules and address behaviours that have the potential to cause serious harm.
“With today marking the beginning of Queensland Road Safety week, Queensland police are actively trying to create a culture where safe road behaviour becomes the standard.
“Too many lives have been lost on our roads, and too many loved ones are mourning these losses, so today and every day I implore you to look after each other, be alert, don’t drive impaired or distracted, and make road safety a priority.
Townsville Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Rob Nalder reminded motorists that distraction behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.
“Whether it is a mobile phone conversation, passengers in the vehicle, work pressures, or simply having something else on your mind, you bring your behaviours, emotions and decision-making with you every time you get behind the wheel,” Senior Sergeant Nalder said.
“Stress, frustration, distraction and the pressure of rushing to get somewhere can all take your focus away from driving, increasing the risk of a serious or a fatal crash.
“No phone call, text message or conversation is worth the seconds your attention is off the road.
“Those moments of inattention can have a devastating consequence on your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
“Driving distracted, particularly when combined with excessive speed, is a recipe for a fatal crash.”
Police urge all motorists to slow down, stay focused and make safe decisions every time they get behind the wheel.
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.
