Queensland’s youth most at risk in road safety crisis
Between 2019 and 2024, 444 fatalities involved a young driver (16-24 years old) – 223 deaths involved a driver on their P-plates. That’s compared to 348 fatalities involving drivers aged 60 to 74^^.
Over that same period, 295 young adults (17-24 years old) lost their lives on Queensland roads, and tragically, at least 31 more have already been killed in crashes this year.
RACQ’s Head of Public Policy Dr Michael Kane said the scale of loss was unacceptable.
“Every one of these young people killed is a tragedy that ripples through families, schools, workplaces and communities,” Dr Kane said.
“We know the first six to 12 months on P-plates carries the highest crash risk, but it doesn’t have to stay this way. We must do more to change this cultural crisis.”
RACQ’s 2025 Road Safety Survey uncovered alarming behaviours among young drivers – many tied directly to the Fatal Five.
When 18 to 24 year olds were asked if they had engaged in specific dangerous driving behaviours at least once in the past 12 months, the survey revealed**:
- 28.6% admitted to drink driving
- 76.2% confessed to speeding
- 52.4% used a hand-held mobile phone while driving
- 19% did not wear a seatbelt
- 61.9% drove while fatigued
“Speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, not wearing a seatbelt and fatigue make up the Fatal Five for a reason, yet our data clearly shows many young drivers still believe it won’t happen to them,” Dr Kane said.
Queensland’s 2025 road toll currently stands at 227 and is on track to be the largest in more than 15 years.
Dr Kane said that this cultural crisis was everyone’s responsibility, and it needed to be addressed sooner rather than later.
“We need game changing reforms – it's time to get serious on road safety,” he said.
“The staggering number of Queenslanders driving under the influence must stop, RACQ is calling for a doubling of random roadside breath and drug tests to increase the likelihood of people getting caught.”
RACQ was also calling for a stronger on-road police presence, expanded vehicle impoundment laws and more point-to-point speed cameras, all of which would deter drivers from doing the wrong thing and potentially losing their life or taking someone else’s.
For more information visit Get Serious on Road Safety | RACQ.
Sources:
* Aged 15 – 24: 2023_04 Underlying causes of death (Queensland) (2).xlsx
** Aged 18- 24: RACQ Road Safety Survey 2025
^ Aged 16 – 24: YoungDriversthefactsFinal.pdf
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