Officers conducting roadside breath tests on the Kennedy Highway, Emerald Creek.
Photo courtesy of Andrea Falvo, Tablelands Advertiser
Operation Fatal Reaction has unfortunately been reinitiated after last Sunday saw the Tablelands experience its sixth fatal traffic crash this year, bringing our road toll for the Far North to 14 for 2016.
A 68-year-old Topaz man died at the scene after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision on the Kennedy Highway at Emerald Creek on Sunday evening.
The Mareeba and Cairns Road Policing Units, in conjunction with officers from Kuranda and Mareeba Stations, conducted high visibility patrols over a two day period from Monday June 6 to Tuesday June 7, to increase community awareness of road safety.
A number of vehicles were intercepted with officers conducting 264 roadside breath tests and seven roadside drug tests, over the two days. Two people were issued with notices to appear in court after returning positive readings for drugs.
Unfortunately 12 people were issued infringement notices for speeding with another five issued with notices for other offences.
Inspector Monique Ralph said the results of Operation Fatal Reaction highlights that the operation is still relevant and a very important way of police highlighting when a fatal crash has occurred in our community.
“During the course of the operation, police received positive comments from engaged motorists on this initiative, highlighting that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, every day,” Inspector Ralph said.
Police will continue to perform regular patrols of the Tablelands and Far North District in order to ensure that we all get home safely.
For road safety in Queensland driving tips, click here.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.