Wrecking spree on roads Two alleged drink-drivers leave trails of havoc
TWO alleged drink-drivers will face court in October after causing significant damage to light poles, street signs, traffic lights and roundabouts in separate episodes in Cairns at the weekend.
A 25-year-old Emu Park man wreaked havoc on Friday, after getting behind the wheel while allegedly more than four times the legal limit.
It is alleged he drove through a roundabout and over street signs near the intersection of Lyons and Hartley Streets, Bungalow, about 11.10pm, before swerving to the incorrect side of the road and onto the footpath.
Sergeant Cary Coolican said as police approached on foot, the vehicle allegedly reversed and drove towards Ray Jones Drive at Portsmith, losing the rim from a tyre before taking off.
“Debris was scattered along
Lyons Street and deep gauge marks were seen on Ray Jones Drive before police located the vehicle, which had crashed,” she said.
The man provided a specimen of breath where he allegedly recorded a reading of 0.228. His licence was suspended and he is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on October 7.
A 24-year-old Townsville man caused more chaos on
Cairns roads on Sunday, allegedly crashing a red and black sedan into traffic lights, and taking them down, at the intersection of Sheridan and Grove streets, about 1.30am.
Sergeant Coolican said the man then allegedly fled on foot, but was arrested a short time later at Fogarty Park. It is alleged he recorded a BAC of 0.179 at Cairns Police Station.
“The arrest of a man in the Cairns CBD on Sunday has
AN alarming spate of fatal road crashes on remote and rural Far Northern roads has capped a tragedy-filled school holiday period.
In the northern police region, 23 lives have been lost on the road so far this year; the 2019 total to July 13 was 26.
However, the Normanton death of a man in his 40s on private property at the weekend will not be included in the official road toll.
Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley said four deaths on Far Northern roads was an unusual weekend tally.
“The crashes we are seeing are just terrible tragedies. (But the) nature of them – it’s very hard to prevent those sorts of crashes in remote and rural locations,” he said.
The Cairns top cop said drivers out of practice behind the wheel after COVID-19 lockdowns could be a factor.
“As a result of coronavirus, when they hit the road they have forgotten to do what’s necessary to safely travel without putting themselves and other road users at risk,” Supt Huxley said. highlighted the value of collaboration in addressing local crime issues, with local police and Cairns Regional Council CCTV operators working in partnership to ensure a proactive approach to public safety in Cairns,” Sergeant Coolican said.
The Townsville man’s licence was suspended and he is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on October 12.
Regardless of the reasons, Supt Huxley said it was loved ones left behind that paid the price.
“It’s not just those people, it’s their families who are left struggling (and) dealing with these very tragic events,” he said.
Road policing Superintendent David Johnson said police were “shocked and disappointed” at the choices some road users were making.
“With the lifting of restrictions, we want everyone to use the road network across Queensland safely,” Supt Johnson said.
“Every person should return safely to their family and loved ones.”