Weekend of carnage, drivers urged to take care

AUTHORITIES have urged Gold Coast motorists to take more care after an horrific fatal rollover on the M1 at Tugun among three Queensland Easter period deaths.

The three fatal crashes were on top of more than 70 collisions across the state in which people have been injured since Thursday.

Police believe a 40-yearold man from Richmond, New South Wales was driving north in a Holden Commodore when it crashed into a barrier and rolled just before the Currumbin exit at Tugun about 2.10am on Good Friday.

The crash killed a 28-yearold woman from Wallsend, NSW, who was reportedly ejected from the car when it rolled.

The Richmond man was arrested over unrelated matters and was due to face Southport Magistrates Court on May 3.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey implored motorists to take extra care.

“When a crash occurs, families and friends suffer, and the investigations into these terrible crashes are left to the brave emergency workers who wish each visit to one of these scenes will be their last,” he said.

“We want every Queenslander to stay safe and get to their destination this Easter.”

Meanwhile, officers allegedly nabbed a driver with a blood alcohol reading of 0.203 at Carrara on Friday.

Another motorist blew 0.225 at Miami on Thursday, while a driver recorded 0.153 at Burleigh Waters on Saturday.

Police have impounded 13 vehicles on the Gold Coast since Thursday.

More than 175 people have been caught drink driving and 164 failed initial roadside drug tests statewide.

Almost 70 people have been busted using mobile phones, more than 10,750 drivers have been detected speeding and more than 100 people have been caught not wearing seatbelts.