As the new year begins, Queenslanders are being urged to drive safely and look out for each other, after a devastating 2024 that saw a record number of people lose their lives or be seriously injured on our roads.
In 2024, 302 people were killed on Queensland roads, making it the worst year on Queensland roads since 2009.
The most common contributing factors in serious and fatal crashes continue to be the Fatal Five – speeding, fatigue, distraction (including mobile phone use), incorrect seatbelt use, and drink and drug driving.
Speeding has continued to climb year-on-year as a key factor in fatal crashes, with drivers being urged to slow down and drive to the conditions.
There is a continued upward trend in motorcycle riders being vastly over-represented in road trauma, with 77 riders killed in 2024, 25.5 per cent above the five-year average, despite motorcycles comprising just four per cent of registered vehicles on our roads.
Young drivers, aged 16 to 24 years old, make up around 13 per cent of licence holders in the state but are unfortunately involved in almost 30 per cent of the fatal crashes on our roads, highlighting the importance of on-going education.
Similarly, 98 lives were lost in 2024 as a result of crashes involving senior drivers, which is a 32 per cent increase compared to the average of the previous five years.
With more Queenslanders using e-scooters, e-skateboards and solo wheels, 2024 unfortunately saw eight people lose their lives on personal mobility devices (PMDs), with this number anticipated to increase as usage rises.
Heavy vehicles (excluding buses) are also over-represented in fatal crashes. They comprise of around two per cent of registered vehicles, yet as they spend more time on the roads, they are involved in around 15 per cent of fatalities in Queensland.
Regional Queensland is sadly where most road users are losing their lives, accounting for more than 60 per cent of fatal crashes.
The Southern region (Darling Downs, Ipswich and South-West Queensland) had the highest number of fatalities, followed by the North Coast police region (Bundaberg, Gympie, Maryborough, Moreton and Sunshine Coast areas), Central Queensland and Brisbane.
The Crisafulli Government has re-established the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to understand the real issues from road users on the Bruce Highway.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said he would also continue to take up the fight with the Federal Government for 80:20 funding for the Bruce Highway to improve safety for all motorists.
“The Bruce Highway is a major national route, and it is about time the Federal Government fronted up and provided the funding needed to keep Queensland moving,” Mr Mickelberg said.
Fast facts:
2024 — 302 lives lost on Queensland roads, the highest since 2009
Five-year average (2020 to 2024) — 285 lives lost on Queensland roads each year
In 2019, there were 220 lives lost on Queensland roads, the lowest number since accurate records began in 1952
Since 2020 however, road trauma has escalated — with 2022 previously marking the highest number of lives lost in over a decade with 295 people killed.
Serious injuries — (1,939) – from (1 January to 31 March 2024)
Fatal five contributing factors for road fatalities (from 1 January 2024 to 31 August 2024) — 20% speed, 16% drink driving, 14% fatigue, 19% unrestrained (of vehicle occupants), and 9% distractions.
For more information on road safety, go to streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/
