As Queensland starts the Queensland Police Services (QPS) annual state-wide road safety campaign in preparation for the Christmas break[1], new figures reveal the state is on the brink of its deadliest year in recent record, with Brisbane emerging as the state’s most troubling epicentre of road tragedies.
The latest figures from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) show a tragic increase in lives lost with the annual road toll climbing to 289 people in Queensland to date. Brisbane stands out as the hardest-hit region, with road deaths near doubling, marking a 90 per cent increase on the same time last year, and up 60 per cent over the past five years.[2]
Trent Johnson, Brisbane Leader and Partner at leading personal injury law firm Travis Schultz & Partners is sounding the alarm, highlighting that motorcycle, bicycle, e-scooter and pedestrian deaths are all on track to set a grim record as 2024 heads towards being the deadliest year in history across all four categories.
“Over the past five years in Queensland, motorcycle fatalities have jumped by 21 per cent, bicycle rider deaths have risen by 25 per cent, alongside pedestrian fatalities at 30 per cent and a notable increase involving young drivers.
“This trend is consistent with our experience in the Brisbane office, where we’re handling an increasing number of cases involving more severe injuries from motor vehicle accidents, many caused by distracted drivers. The latest MAIC report also points to 50 per cent of accidents occurring when vehicles are travelling in the same direction[3],” Mr Johnson said.
“Brisbane is emerging as a hotspot for road accidents, especially in motorcycle and young driver fatalities. It signals an urgent need for education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements that keep all road users safe.”
Adding to this urgency, the Bruce Highway recently came under scrutiny ahead of the state election, with calls for significant infrastructure upgrades and road safety investment.[4]
Chris Searle, a Travis Schultz & Partners client, knows the life-altering impact of road accidents. In March 2023, while legally lane filtering on the Bruce Highway, he was struck by a motorist traveling in the same direction. He sustained severe injuries, including permanent nerve damage, and now faces ongoing health complications that have ended his career in mining.
“Before the accident, I was always active,” Mr Searle said.
“I enjoyed working, wakeboarding and playing rugby league. Now, I miss those activities and am focused on recovery, hoping to someday ride again.”
Nearly two years after the accident, Mr Searle continues to rebuild his life, adapting to daily challenges like limited mobility and self-catheterisation. For him, the accident has robbed him of the active lifestyle he once enjoyed.
“My message is simple: check your mirrors and be aware of all road users. A moment’s attention can prevent a lifetime of pain. From where I stand, driver education must remain central to road safety discussions,” Mr Searle said.
“Road safety is more than just better highways,” Mr Johnson adds.
“It’s about changing driver behaviour and ensuring every road user, especially vulnerable ones like motorcyclists and cyclists, feels secure. Most importantly it’s about education, many drivers are not aware that lane filtering is legally permitted for motorcyclists in Queensland under specific conditions,” he explained.
“Riders with an open license are allowed to move between stationary or slow-moving vehicles traveling in the same direction, provided they stay under 30 km/h and only when conditions are safe.”
“Also, motorcyclists may use the shoulder or emergency lanes at safe speeds up to 30 km/h on motorways with speed limits over 90 km/h, but only when traffic is slowed or stopped. To protect pedestrians, lane filtering is limited to moving between vehicles, not between a vehicle and the curb.”
“These Christmas holidays let’s commit to making our roads safer for all. Beyond investing in safer infrastructure, each of us has a responsibility to drive safely if we’re to reduce the road toll in 2025.”
// Ends.
To learn more about Travis Schultz & Partners, visit www.schultzlaw.com.au
To learn more about Trent Johnson, visit https://www.schultzlaw.com.au/meet-your-team/trent-johnson/
Media contact: Trudie Abel, Fresh PR & Marketing | 0408 119 443 | trudie@freshprm.com.au
About Travis Schultz & Partners
Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) was established by founding Managing Partner, Travis Schultz in 2018, based on the guiding values of fairness, respect and expertise. The award-winning, nationally recognised compensation law firm services all of Queensland and has a team of more than 70, with offices in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Cairns.
[1] Queensland Police Service, December 13, 2024: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/southwest/2024/12/13/police-launch-road-safety-christmas-blitz-with-covert-motorcycles-deployed-to-target-dangerous-drivers/
[2] Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Road Crash Weekly Report, Year to Date to Sunday 15 December: https://cars.tmr.qld.gov.au/Static/documents/RoadCrashReport/Weekly/WeeklyReport_Latest.pdf
[3] MAIC, Annual CTP scheme insights 2023-24: https://maic.qld.gov.au/publications/annual-ctp-scheme-insights-2023-24/
[4] The Courier Mail, New RACQ data reveals Bruce Hwy statistics: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-politics/5-times-more-like-to-die-the-new-racq-data-reveals-bruce-hwy-statistics-that-must-change/news-story/06c8ed52a191f49edf08258fddc07b40
