Queensland’s 2024 road toll threatens to break 300
Queensland could have its most deadly year on the roads in 15 years with the State’s road toll tracking to break a devastating 300 fatalities.
As at 11 December, the road toll is 287 – 21 deaths higher than the same time last year. The last time Queensland recorded more than 300 road deaths in a single year was in 2009.
General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said with Christmas around the corner, a notoriously busy time on the roads, the confronting reality is the road toll was likely to surpass 2022’s 13-year high.
“In that year 297 people died on Queensland roads and we’re tracking towards exceeding that figure,” Mr Cooney said.
“Before Covid, the road toll was trending down and if it continued on that trajectory, road deaths would be closer to 200 but tragically we’ve gone backwards.
“Despite new cars getting safer with upgraded technology, far too many people are still dying on our roads. It’s unacceptable and government must intervene and work to improve our road safety culture.”
The Fatal Five continue to account for the majority of deaths – notably speeding, drink and drug driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. Sadly, there’s been no reduction on fatigue or distracted driving fatalities.
RACQ’s Annual Road Safety Survey found aggression on roads is increasing and more Queenslanders were choosing to do the wrong thing behind the wheel.
The report revealed 6.5% of respondents admitted to getting behind the wheel while affected by illicit drugs, a 2% increase from last year.
A shocking 77.2% admitted to speeding, 41.4% to driving tired, and 29% to driving distracted.
“It’s clear we have a road safety culture issue in our State, with some motorists continuing to break the law, risking their lives and the lives of others,” Mr Cooney said.
“If you kill or injure someone whilst driving under the influence or speeding, you are at risk of being criminally charged and doing real jail time.”
Motorcyclists are also dying at a disproportionate rate, accounting for an alarming 26% of the growing road toll – a confronting 24% increase from the previous five-year average.
Motorcycles make up just 4% of registered vehicles in Queensland.
These holidays, RACQ was pleading with drivers to make the right choice, take care on the roads and do everything they can to get to their destination safely.
The Club will also continue to work closely with the State Government to advocate for reforms that will curb this alarming trend in road deaths and improve our road safety culture.
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