Fatalities on Queensland roads are at their highest level in a decade.
Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie said 299 lives had been lost so far in 2024, after a man involved in a Christmas Day crash in Logan, passed away the following night.
Minister Purdie said the man’s death brought the total of Queensland’s lives lost to 299, surpassing the 2022 record of 296, and marking the highest level in 10 years.
He said the unfortunate milestone was a stark reminder that police alone could not reduce the state’s road toll.
“No words can describe the trauma experienced by families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones in road crashes, and my heart goes out to all those in mourning, particularly so close to Christmas.
“The sad reality is that most of these crashes involved at least one of the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours – speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while fatigue and driver distraction and inattention.”
Minister Purdie said all Queenslanders had a part to play in ensuring safety on the state’s roads.
“Christmas and the New Year should be remembered as a time of happiness and joy.
“They should not be remembered as a time when the selfishness or inattention of others drove a fatal wedge through the hearts of so many families.”
