Sunshine Coast police have issued a stern reminder to motorists that driving while under the influence will not be tolerated, after nabbing more than 20 drink and drug drivers in a three-hour targeted operation.
Operation Lasso saw 1379 random breath tests (RBTs) and 27 random drug tests (RDTs) conducted near a service station on the Bruce Highway at Glasshouse Mountains on the evening of 13 October.
10 people returned a positive roadside breath test, including a 35-year-old Roma man who allegedly recorded a reading of 0.279% which is more than five and a half times the legal limit.
He was charged with driving under the influence and is due to face Nambour Magistrates Court on 12 November.
12 people also allegedly tested positive for drug driving, and seven people were issued Notices to Appear for possessing drugs.
It is further alleged six vehicles evaded police after becoming aware of the RBT site.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said these results are extremely concerning.
“This operation was active between 9pm and 12am on a nondescript Tuesday evening on our provincial highway, which raises significant alarm bells,” he said.
“Police have zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and all road users need to make safety their number one priority.”
14 people have been killed in traffic crashes on Sunshine Coast roads so far this year.
“To know that seriously impaired drivers are barrelling down our highways at speeds of 110km per hour should have every road user worried,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“Every decision you make behind the wheel can be the difference between making it home safely, and endangering yourself, your passengers and other road users.”
Vision notes:
0:00 to 0:23 relates to a 51-year-old Curra man issued a Notice to Appear for for drink driving under 0.10%
0:24 to 0:38 relates to a 68-year-old Caboolture South woman issued a Notice to Appear for for drink driving under 0.10%
0:39 to 0:59 relates to a 39-year-old Peregian Beach man charged with driving while relevant drug is present in saliva
1:00 to end relates to a 35-year-old Roma man who allegedly recorded a reading of 0.279%
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