Qld’s Bruce Hwy put to shame by German autobahns

Not everyone wants to drive at more than 140km/h as they can in Europe, but at what point can Queenslanders expect to see a proper highway for a 100km/h limit, asks Letea Cavander.

Cruising on an autobahn in Germany, I was completely unaware the driver was travelling at 140km/h until she drew my attention to it.

It is a myth that all the major German highways are a free-for-all but it is true that in some parts, where the road condition and traffic allows it, an open speed limit applies.

While we were cruising at 140, SUVs and other vehicles overtook us.

A decade ago, I did not blink an eye at the speed but now I am a “plus one” with my six-year-old in the car I did become more alert to my surroundings even as a passenger.

German drivers go through a pretty strict driving test before they earn the right to drive at that speed.

A German autobahn road sign.

The roads, too, are top notch with more than one lane, excellent entries and exits, a smooth road surface and great visibility.

The speed limit also lowers in high-traffic stretches and when roadworks occur.

The Bruce Hwy is the deadliest road in Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

The road condition on the German open speed limit stretches put the Bruce Hwy to shame.

I have become so wary of driving on highway one in Queensland that I would prefer to fly to Rockhampton with my daughter, to visit my sister and her family, rather than face the road.

Traffic on a German autobahn. Picture: iStock

All drivers have to drive to road conditions.

This is drilled into us every time a fatal crash occurs and I agree with police when they make that statement.

Of course we must drive to conditions.

But at what point can regional Queensland demand better road conditions?

I do not want to travel at 140 clicks an hour.

I just want to safely do the speed limit and there are parts of the Bruce Hwy in which that is simply no longer possible.

As advisory firm KordaMentha looks over Bonza’s finances, I look with trepidation at the options to make my regular trips north.

The Australian Road Assessment Program claims almost half the Bruce Hwy fails at basic safety ratings and only 10 per cent is considered extremely safe.

The Wide Bay has marked a grim milestone, in which the 30th person has died on the Bruce in that region since 2021.

Deaths on major roads are sadly unavoidable, but regional Queensland deserves better.