New Chinchilla police operation launched to tackle fatal five

Following a series of fatal crashes on our roads, Chinchilla police are targeting those who continue to flout laws and put not only themselves in danger, but all other motorists sharing the roads. Details:

Picture: Richard Walker

Off the back of one of the worst years for road fatalities, Chinchilla police launched Operation Quantum Eliminate to enforce and educate the community on the importance of road safety.

The Warrego region was ranked in RACQ’s top 10 dangerous regions for road fatalities in 2021, with Queensland recording more than 172 deaths so far this year.

Chinchilla Police officer-in-charge Andrew Irvine said it was a vital operation because people often forgot cars were dangerous weapons.

Sergeant Andrew Irvine said officers would target road-related offences to put downward pressure on the state’s road toll, as well as educate road users on current laws.

“It’s not so much about enforcement, more so education on the Fatal Five, but if people are doing the wrong thing they will be caught,” he said.

Sergeant Andrew Irvine said a concerning incident occurred on Sunday when officers spotted a driver doing 140kmh along Chinchilla Tara Road.

Not only was the offender speeding although a stretch of road that claimed the lives of three men, but police say he also refused to pull over when directed and also did a number of burnouts at the Crossroads.

Sergeant Irvine said officers urged the community to take video footage of hoons if they could and to hand in at the police station.

“Only film when it’s safe to do so, or write down their number plate,” he said.

“Video evidence is extremely valuable when it comes to convicting these types of offenders.”

The operation targeting speeding, drink/drug driving, seat belts, fatigue, and mobile phone use and distractions, will wrap up on September 10.