Spate of crashes sparks warning

A SPIKE in traffic crashes and a handful of alleged drinkdrivers in the past week have prompted Bowen Police to issue a warning to drivers these school holidays.

Bowen Acting Officer-inCharge Ryan Gregory said three traffic crashes causing injuries had occurred since June 22, which included a crash on Mt Dangar Rd and the Bruce Highway at Guthalungra.

While the crashes may not have seemed particularly severe, Acting Senior Sergeant Gregory said all crashes were considered serious because they had the potential to cause bad injuries or death.

“It also has a flow-on effect as well to employment, the family and financially,” he said.

Aside from the crashes, Bowen police have also nabbed five alleged drink-drivers in the past week.

Two drivers were allegedly driving over the middle alcohol limit, while police say three were over the lower alcohol limit.

Acting Sen-sgt Gregory said the number was “fairly concerning”.

“If you’re going to drink or drug drive then think twice because we’re going to be out doing testing,” he said. “There might be a perception that we’re not out and about but that’s certainly not the case.”

Acting Sen-sgt Gregory warned drivers that police would have a heightened presence during the school holidays including doing static breath tests, which have now resumed.

“I know COVID-19 is reducing our usual road travel plans, but we’re pleading to the public and anyone to have fatigue management in place and don’t speed or drink or drug drive,” he said.