A 43-year-old Proserpine woman has been charged, following a fatal car accident which occurred when her ute crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a station wagon, on Strathdickie Road, on the evening of August 20.
A 67-year-old Dingo Beach man was the driver and sole occupant of the station wagon and unfortunately died at the scene.
The Proserpine woman was taken to Townsville Hospital and was later charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.
So far this year Mackay and Whitsunday Police have intercepted over 670 drink drivers across our region, which is a similar figure from this time last year.
“Traditionally we see an increase in the drink driving offences as we approach Summer and the Christmas holidays,” said Shane Edwards, Senior Sergeant of Highway Patrol Mackay.
“Drink Driving is a significant contributor to the fatalities on our roads in Queensland with over 30 per cent of drivers and riders involved in fatal traffic crashes being over the legal limit.
“Alcohol impairs a drivers/riders reaction time along with their ability to make smart decisions.
“We have had 13 deaths on our Districts roads in 2023 and drink driving is being investigated as a contributing factor in around 50 per cent of those incidents.”
Mr Edwards and the Mackay Whitsunday Police urge drivers to not drink and drive.
“Have a designated driver if you plan on going out with friends
“If you see that friends have been drinking don’t let them drive, you could be saving their lives as well as other members of public.”
