Travel safely this Christmas

More lives have been lost on Queensland roads this year compared with 2019 despite COVID-19 travel restrictions and changed commuting patterns reducing traffic.

As of midnight on 9 November the number of lives lost on Queensland roads was 232 whereas the number of lives lost in 2019 was 190.

Queensland Police Service Acting Chief Superintendent Dale Pointon said the top three driving offences detected by police this year were speeding, drink and drug driving.

"Police will maintain a high visibility presence across Queensland’s roads during the holiday period, including operations on roads where an increase in road users are expected," Mr Pointon said.

"Our aim is to ensure everyone arrives safely at such an important time of the year.

"We strongly encourage drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to pause and think about their behaviour before they set off on their journey, and drive to the conditions."

Department of Transport and Main Roads Land Transport and Safety Regulation General Manager Andrew Mahon said with many Queenslanders excited to be planning a road trip during the school holidays, they were reminded to make safety their top priority.

"While we are unable to predict how much extra traffic there will be on Queensland roads, we do know Christmas holidays are a time when we traditionally see increased traffic," Mr Mahon said.

"This is expected to increase further this year with overseas and interstate travel restrictions in place.

"This is especially evident in regional areas where sadly, excessive speed, drugs and alcohol appear to be the significant contributing factors in many of these crashes."

From 2015 to 2019, half of all deaths on Queensland roads involved at least one of the fatal five risky driving behaviours: speeding, distraction, alcohol and drugs, fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt.

"When heading out these school holidays, remember to be courteous when you are behind the wheel, follow at a safe distance and enjoy your time away with your family and friends," Mr Mahon said.

"The aim is for everyone to get to their holiday destinations and arrive home safely."

RACQ Manager Road Safety and Technical Joel Tucker said drivers needed to be mindful of the fatal five all year round, but especially over the holidays.

"These holidays, or on any trip, drivers need to slow down, stay safe and drive to the conditions" he said.

"We are also reminding drivers to buckle up and check their passengers are properly restrained too, keep their eyes and minds on the road and hands on the steering wheel – not on their phones, and to avoid drinking and driving.

"You should also plan your trip in advance and locate places where you can take a break along the way – aim for a break at least every two hours."