OPERATION TARGETING DRINK, DRUG DRIVERS ACROSS DOWNS

POLICE have launched a road safety operation, set to last the entire month, with drug and drink drivers across the Darling Downs in their sights.p

Operation Ribbonwood started on May 1 and will continue throughout the month, with Darling Downs Police District officers focusing their attention on drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Senior Constable Belinda Elks said that in 2021, 41 per cent of lives lost on Queensland roads in the southern region were found to have either drugs and/or alcohol in their system.

From May 1 to May 10, Darling Downs Police detected 24 drug drivers in Toowoomba, Warwick, Goondiwindi, Kingaroy and the Lockyer Valley. During this same period, 26 drink drivers were also detected in Darling Downs and 320 traffic infringements were issued.

Police are urging motorists to think about their actions when behind the wheel, especially during the rainy period, which is anticipated to continue over the weekend.

Motorists are reminded to not drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, make safe decisions when driving and to not drive through floodwaters.

“The fatal five factors of speeding, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while fatigued and driving while distracted have a direct consequence on your life and those around you,” Senior Constable Elks said.