Horror 2025 road toll sparks urgent call for action

Queensland’s worst road toll in 16 years has prompted renewed calls for urgent action, with 308 people losing their lives on the state’s roads in 2025.

The sobering figure has led road safety advocates to push for stronger enforcement, better data transparency and long-term behaviour change to prevent further loss of life.

RACQ Managing Director and Group CEO David Carter said the numbers were a clear sign that Queensland’s approach to road safety needed to change.

“We need a strong program of behaviour change, data transparency and policy change to reverse this worsening trend in Queensland,” Mr Carter said.

“Three of the past four years have recorded road tolls around or above 300, and for the past two years, the number of people dying on our roads has climbed even higher. Thousands more are hospitalised, placing enormous strain on our health system.

“Between 2019 and 2023, there were 31,742 crashes where people were killed or seriously injured, equating to a staggering social cost of $37.5 billion.”

Push for stronger enforcement and better data

Road safety groups are urging the Queensland Government to release and use comprehensive crash data to better target high-risk areas and guide evidence-based investment decisions.

Mr Carter said while governments had an important role to play, responsibility ultimately rested with road users.

“Governments have a role to play but can’t do this on their own. The buck stops with every road user to own their behaviour and improve road safety culture,” he said.

“Some groups continue to be high-risk, particularly young drivers, male drivers and motorcycle riders.

“We need every driver to take responsibility for their decisions on the road, but we also need to better understand what is behind this crisis, so data must play a key role in finding meaningful solutions.”

A recent survey found 83 per cent of respondents support a greater police presence on Queensland roads, citing the deterrent effect of increased enforcement. Road safety advocates have welcomed the Government’s commitment to expand on-road police numbers from 2026.

Road trauma felt beyond the crash scene

Professor Martin Wullschleger said the consequences of road trauma extend far beyond fatalities.

“Our surgeons witness the consequences every day. The people we treat are often the survivors, many of whom go on to live with debilitating and lifelong injuries, unable to walk, talk, eat or function without care,” he said.

“Prevention is the only cure and that means stronger enforcement and smarter policy.”

SARAH Group Founder and President Peter Frazer OAM, who lost his daughter in a crash, said the scale of the toll was heartbreaking.

“Everyone has a right to get home safe to their loved ones every day and yet 308 lives were lost in Queensland. With so many innocent lives lost, this is not only heart breaking but both a state and national disgrace,” Mr Frazer said.

“Something must give. It’s time for stronger enforcement and consequences to stop this unnecessary and tragic loss of life.”

Regional roads remain a major concern

Regional Queensland continues to be one of the hardest-hit areas, with Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon urging motorists to better prepare before travelling.

“Many people are unprepared to drive on our regional roads. We strongly urge all motorists to prepare their trips like professional truck drivers – prepare your vehicle, assess your fitness to drive, plan your route, schedule breaks, and be emergency ready,” Mr Mahon said.

“The QTA strongly supports the call to take serious action to prevent more loss of life on our roads, including having a stronger focus on repeat offenders and how they are dealt with in the courts.

“Queenslanders have a choice to drive safely. Make that choice. Be more patient and make a conscious decision to arrive alive.”

Road safety advocates have indicated they are ready to work with all levels of government to improve outcomes and reduce the devastating toll on Queensland families and communities.