DRUNK and speeding drivers have been busted endangering lives on North Queensland roads during the Christmas break.
The worst speeding offence detected in Queensland was a 20-year-old P-Plate driver who was clocked doing a staggering 215km/h on the Flinders Highway at Torrens Creek, west of Charters Towers.
The man, who was driving a Holden Commodore, was caught in the 110km/h zone about 10am on Thursday.
He copped a $1,177 fine and his license was automatically suspended for six months.
Several high range drink drivers have also been caught in the North, with a 39-year-old man blowing 0.201 per cent, more than four times the legal limit, at Julia Creek about 7pm on Christmas night.
The following day, a 49-year-old Hyde Park man recorded the highest reading in the State on Boxing Day when he blew 0.237 per cent on Kings Road in Townsville.
Another driver recorded a reading of 0.200 per cent at Doomadgee on Friday.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said that driving after drinking or using drugs was not only illegal, but could have life-changing consequences.
“Police are increasing enforcement to help keep these dangerous drivers off our roads but every one of us has a responsibility to do the right thing,” Mr Ryan said.
“All too often, innocent people who are doing the right thing are impacted by another person’s poor choice – this is not acceptable.
“If you’re drinking, don’t drive”.
“If we all do our bit, we can help make the rest of the holiday season safe and happy.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said 248 people had died on Queensland roads in 2017, three less than in 2016.
“Every one of these deaths is one too many and causes unimaginable trauma and heartache,” Mr Bailey said.
“So many of these crashes are avoidable – we can all do our bit to prevent injuries and deaths on our roads by abiding rules and driving to conditions.
“We want to reduce the road toll as much as possible this year, but we can’t do it alone.
“Drink driving contributed to a quarter of Queensland’s road toll this year,”
“I urge drivers to stick to the speed limit at all times, ensure everyone has their seatbelts on and not to drive distracted, tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
Mr Bailey encouraged drivers to be patient and considerate to ensure everyone reached their destinations safely these holidays.
The Festive Break phase of the Christmas Road Safety Campaign will continue until Wednesday, January 3.