Wide Bay police launch new operation after eight deaths on region’s roads

After a horror start to the year on Wide Bay roads, the police have launched a new operation aiming to focus on getting people home safely.

In the past 12 months Wide Bay police have conducted more than 225,000 random breath tests, over 4000 random drug tests and issued more than 15,000 traffic infringements, Sgt Ryan said.

Police have begun a new operation as the Wide Bay-Burnett started the year with eight fatal crashes on the region’s roads.

In 2022, there were 24 fatalities as a result of traffic crashes in the Wide Bay district.

With eight fatalities already in 2023, the Wide Bay police have commenced Operation Victor Vivo to try to prevent further loss of life.

The new operation comes after the Chronicle joined with The Gympie Times and Bundaberg News-Mail to push to upgrade rural roads.

In Latin, vivo means “I live”, Sergeant Melanie Ryan said.

“This sentiment reinforces the role that individuals and the community play in staying safe on our roads,” she said.

“Wide Bay police have researched traffic flow and road crash data to identify peak times of risk and will “increase patrolling activity during these times as part of the region wide operation.

“The operation involves specialist highway patrol and general duties police increasing patrols across the regions from Petrie in the south to Gin Gin in the north, in times of increased risk on the roads.

“Wide Bay police employ a high visibility road safety strategy including road breath tests, roadside drug testing, speed detection and targeted patrols.”

In the past 12 months Wide Bay police have conducted more than 225,000 random breath tests, over 4000 random drug tests and issued more than 15,000 traffic infringements, Sgt Ryan said.

“This is not revenue raising but rather, trying to change the behaviour of drivers and passengers.

“Police can’t be everywhere, and road users must make conscious decisions to keep themselves safe and to not put others at risk.”