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QPS are calling for safe driving after a devasting year on Far North Queensland roads. Photo source: QPS
A motorcyclist allegedly travelling more than 60km/h above the speed limit on the Bruce Highway south of Cardwell has become a local example of the dangerous driving behaviours police are targeting during Queensland Road Safety Week.
On 5th August, officers from Innisfail Highway Patrol allegedly detected a motorcycle travelling at 161km/h in a 100km/h zone on the Bruce Highway at Damper Creek, south of Cardwell.
Police allege the rider, a 33-year-old Townsville man, evaded officers after police activated their lights and sirens.
The rider was intercepted a short time later near Ellerbeck and charged with one count of evade. He was also issued a Traffic Infringement Notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h.
The man received a $1,986 fine and eight demerit points, while his motorcycle was impounded for 90 days.
He is due to appear before Tully Magistrates Court on 3rd September.
The incident comes amid a concerning year on Far North Queensland roads, with police revealing 18 people have lost their lives in the region so far in 2026 — eight more than at the same time last year.
Throughout Queensland Road Safety Week, officers are increasing enforcement activities targeting speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, fatigue and failure to wear seatbelts.
Officer in charge of Cairns Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Greg Rose said the consequences of road trauma could be devastating for entire families.
“To have to tell someone’s partner, child or parent that their loved one won’t be coming home is one of the worst jobs we face as police officers,” Acting Senior Sergeant Rose said.
“We are continuing to promote safe road behaviour in the Far North, to ensure no more families are devastated by road trauma.
“It’s not about revenue raising, it’s about making sure you, and other motorists make it home to their loved ones. One split second, poor decision can lead to a lifetime of pain for your family – it’s simply not worth it.”
Queensland Police said enforcement alone could not prevent all dangerous behaviour and reminded motorists that every decision made behind the wheel can have consequences.
Police are urging drivers across the Far North to slow down, stay off their phones, never drive under the influence, manage fatigue and always wear a seatbelt.
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