Tow truck near-misses triple as drivers ignore roadside laws
In the six months from November 2025 to April 2026, there were 29 dangerous near-misses involving tow trucks assisting motorists – more than triple the number recorded during the same period the previous year.
The alarming figures come as Queensland’s peak motoring body releases confronting, never-before-seen footage of drivers failing to move over and slow down around roadside workers, despite the laws being in place for more than three years.
Captured by RACQ vehicle dashcams, the vision lays bare the real and immediate danger faced by those who stop to help others on the side of the road.
RACQ Deputy Chief Executive Glenn Toms said the footage is some of the most concerning he has seen.
“Our hardworking and selfless roadside operators, along with those from other organisations, are there to help when you need it most. The least motorists can do is move over and slow down,” Mr Toms said.
“They are out there saving Queenslanders every day from dangerous and vulnerable situations – we can’t have motorists making these situations worse by not following their obligations to give them safe space.
“We started advocating for ‘Move Over Slow Down’ laws in 2017 after 90% of our members said something needed to be done, so it is really disappointing to know Queensland is going backwards.
“The law is simple - if you see flashing lights on the roadside, move over and slow down.”
This stark reminder comes amid a worsening road safety culture across Queensland.
So far this year 127 lives have been lost on Queensland roads, a 28.3% increase on the same time last year, and if the trajectory continues, the State is on track to record more than 330 road deaths in 2026.
To put that in perspective, Queensland has not seen this many road deaths since around the turn of the millennium.
Mr Toms said the rising road toll and the disregard for roadside safety laws point to a broader behavioural issue on Queensland roads.
“Queensland is on track for another one of its deadliest years in recent history, and these incidents show the risks aren’t limited to drivers and passengers – they extend to the people working to keep our motorists safe and our roads moving,” he said.
“Every one of these close calls could have ended in tragedy. Slowing down and moving over isn’t just the law - it’s about protecting lives.”
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