Easter crash analysis shows trauma is often closer to home
RACQ’s analysis of road crashes in the ‘Easter months’ of March and April over five years have shown more than half occur in major cities and the overwhelming majority are on ‘lower speed’ roads.
It comes as the Club also releases new data revealing Queensland’s staggering $37.5 billion road trauma bill over the same period.*
RACQ General Manager Advocacy Joshua Cooney said the figures serve as a timely reminder that familiar routes can be just as hazardous as longer journeys this Easter long weekend.
“Road safety is a major concern all-year round. Between 2020 and 2024, Queensland recorded 33,189 crashes, 1,304 of which were fatal, at an estimated social cost of more than $37.5 billion,” Mr Cooney said.
“When we drill down into the Easter school holiday period of March and April, there were 5,240 crashes over those five years, 191 of which were fatal – an estimated social cost of nearly $5.8 billion.
“We see many horrific car crashes during what should be a relaxing time of year for families.”
RACQ data shows 56% of Easter crashes occur in major cities** and 69% take place on roads with 70km/h speed limits or less.
“When hitting the road for Easter, many Queenslanders might think they’re more likely to crash on highways or unfamiliar regional roads, but the data tells us the majority of crashes are still occurring in and around their local areas,” Mr Cooney said.
“People often become complacent on roads they drive regularly, but this data shows local, lower speed roads and intersections are most common for crashes during this time of year.”
Mr Cooney said when travelling longer distances, fatigue often factors in as potential killer.
“Our regional, high-speed highways can still be very dangerous, and we should take extra care on those roads, because higher speed brings more risk of serious or fatal injuries in a crash,” he said.
“Staying alert, taking regular breaks – at least every two hours – and sharing the driving can save lives.”
As at 27 March, 67 people have died on Queensland roads this year, 12 more than the same time last year.
RACQ is urging all motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, never drive tired or impaired by drugs or alcohol, always wear a seatbelt, and remember that getting home safely is most important.
If we don’t get serious about road safety, we will continue to break tragic records, leaving families shattered.
For more information and access to RACQ’s Crash Data Dashboard, head to racq.com.
*QLD TMR and ABS Data has been used in this analysis.
**Major cities in Queensland, defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, include Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
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