Dangerous driving on local roads is being targeted by Sunshine Coast police after eight deaths were recorded in the region in the first three months of 2022.
Operation Regain has now commenced, with a focus on drug and drink driving, hooning and modified vehicles.
Police said the death toll was the highest toll the District has seen in recent years. Around 140 serious traffic crashes have also been recorded.
Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said there has been a remarkable increase in the number of people willing to drive a vehicle whilst adversely effected by alcohol or drugs.
“I would like to remind those people that wish to put the lives of others at risk on our road, the Sunshine Coast Police will be re-focusing our energy at road safety and driver behaviour,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
An additional 20 officers across the District (61 in total) have been trained in the testing of drivers for drugs, and joint training has been conducted with the Department of Transport and Main Road concerning modified and defective vehicles.