Road toll hits grim milestone after double-fatal crash
Queensland recorded its deadliest road toll in 16 years in 2025 – and 2026 is looking set to be even worse.
Queensland’s 2025 road toll was the worst since 2009, and this year’s could be even worse, according to Queensland police figures.
So far this year, 41 lives have been lost on Queensland roads – three more than at the same time last year.
The news prompting RACQ head of public policy Dr Michael Kane to say the motoring body urged its members to “take greater personal responsibility behind the wheel”.
“One person dies on Queensland roads almost every single day,” he told InDaily.
The grim news comes as two men were killed in a single car crash on a private property at Sandy Creek yesterday.
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Police said a 59-year-old driver and a 75-year old passenger were killed when their ute went over an embankment and hit a tree about 1.30pm yesterday.
Two female passengers, aged 33 and 50 were airlifted to hospital, with the younger woman in a critical condition.
A pet dog that was in the car was also killed.
In 2025, 307 people were killed on Queensland roads; marking the highest number of fatalities since 2009, when 331 people died.
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But based on this year’s trend in road deaths, 2026 could be even more deadly.
“Many motorists may believe that creeping over the speed limit, driving after a few drinks, or briefly checking a mobile phone isn’t a big deal. It is – and it has deadly consequences,” Kane said.
“It’s time to get serious on road safety.”
A Queensland Police spokesperson said road safety continued to be a key priority for the force and urged drivers to remain vigilant.
“Safer roads start with you,” they said.
“Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters.
“Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt has a direct consequence on your safety and those around you.”
The spokesperson said Queensland Police would not tolerate drivers flouting the law.
“Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime. Your choices drive the results.”
