Driven to distraction
THE shocking footage of Targa drivers swerving recklessly along the Gillies Range on the final day of the competition has triggered disappointment from authorities who say they should know better.
Cairns police began their investigation into the incident on Sunday, when dashcam footage recorded four Porsches driven by Targa racers crossing double lines to overtake a ute driving on the Gillies.
One car could be seen coming dangerously close to hitting another ute coming the other way.
Cairns Sen-Sgt Dion Readman said the incident was believed to have taken place in the afternoon, with the drivers having finished the race and on their way back to Cairns.
“The footage speaks for itself. We’ve seen what we’ve seen and, while I haven’t spoken to the drivers myself, I can only imagine they’d be very embarrassed with their behaviour,” he said.
Sgt Readman, who worked with Targa during the race, said he was disappointed.
“The event does a briefing with the drivers every year, which we were a part of, and event management was very clear on following the road rules when driving outside of stage,” he said.
“There was a message not to drive in any manner that would cause a poor image for the event. The vehicles are very clearly marked as a Targa vehicle and every car on the road has dashcam.
“It’s not a good way to finish the event off. It was a good weekend and (we) didn’t hear any other complaints.
“The reality is if people break the law, we will take action. Targa is very comfortable with that, they have zero-tolerance policy for this type of behaviour.
“Once we take action, they also take action with their own internal penalties.”
Police will interview the motorist who provided the footage and work with Targa to identify the drivers.
The incident follows Queensland Road Safety Week last week, which brought attention to the risks of dangerous driving.
Eighteen people have died on Far North roads this year, including Cairns rugby league player Kingi Ford, who was killed in a horrific crash on the Gillies Range in March.
The highway has been short-listed for $18 million in safety upgrades, due to start next year.