RACQ issues Xmas & NYE warning as road deaths surge

RACQ24/12/2025
News
As 2025 draws to a close, Queensland is once again in the grip of an escalating road safety crisis with the State’s road toll soaring to one of the highest levels seen in nearly two decades – sitting at 302.
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Tragically, road trauma has claimed nearly or above 300 lives in three of the past four years – a confronting statistic not seen since 2009.

RACQ’s Head of Public Policy, Michael Kane, said the trend was deeply concerning, especially considering the progress made before the Covid pandemic.
 
“In 2019, 220 lives were lost – the lowest annual road toll in our state’s history,” Dr Kane said.
 
 “If we had continued the pre-COVID trend, we would now be seeing figures closer to 200 deaths, not consecutive years over 300. This is a crisis that demands urgent action.”
 
The tragic number of deaths comes as Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations start to kick off, prompting RACQ to issue an urgent plea: don’t drive with alcohol or drugs in your system this festive season.
 
“Speeding, drink driving and drug driving remain the leading causes of fatal crashes,” Dr Kane said.
 
“Alcohol is linked to around 20% of Queensland’s road fatalities which is an average of 57 deaths every year.
 
“Yet our research shows nearly three in four drivers admit to drinking more than intended before driving (73.7%), and almost half of designated drivers still consume alcohol (49.2%).”
 
Equally alarming is the misconception about what is ‘safe’.
 
"Around 15% of drivers aged 25 to 34 believe two drinks every hour after the first hour is acceptable – it’s not. If you’re driving, the safest thing to do is not to drink at all,” Dr Kane said.
 
“Talk to your mates, make a plan, and stick to it. Whether it’s booking a rideshare, organising a lift or being the sober driver, these small decisions save lives.”
 
Driving under the influence of illicit drugs is a growing issue in Queensland, with fatality rates now overtaking drink driving.
 
“Each year, 59 lives are cut short because someone chose to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs,” Dr Kane said.
 
“That’s 59 families shattered and 59 futures stolen, simply because of a reckless, selfish decision.”
 
RACQ urges everyone to prioritise safety this New Year period.

 

“The most valuable gift you can give your loved ones is your safe arrival – so plan ahead, make responsible choices, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said Dr Kane.
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