Worst road toll in 15 years

Tougher laws are needed to tackle the alarming number of fatal road crashes in Moreton Bay region and across Queensland.

That is the verdict of Dr Michael Kane, RACQ’s Head of Public Policy, after the state’s road toll reached 302 last year.

It was Queensland’s worst in 15 years and the first time since 2009 that the final figure was more than 300.

There were 18 fatalities on the roads of Moreton Bay during 2024, following 20 in 2023, 16 in 2022, 21 in 2021 and 20 in 2020.

In total, 95 people have lost their lives as a result of crashes in the Moreton Bay region in the five years from 2020-2024.

Dr Kane said despite cars getting smarter and safer, too many road users are being killed and injured.

“The confronting reality is the vast majority of fatal crashes involve poor driver behaviour,” Dr Kane said.

“Speeding, drink driving and drug driving are the top killers on our roads, and we need strong and urgent law reform to curb this alarming trend and improve our road safety culture.

“Increasing fines is clearly not working and we must rethink enforcement and penalties for drivers breaking the rules.

“Before COVID, our road toll was trending down and by now we should be seeing a road toll closer to 200, not 300.”

A spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) urged motorists and “to drive safely and look out for each other”.

“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.”

RACQ says it will keep working closely with the State Government to advocate on behalf of motorists for reforms that aim to reduce avoidable tragedy on our roads.