RACQ warns drivers too relaxed on breaking rules, pushes for more cops on streets

Queensland’s peak transport advocate has urged the state government to crack down on dangerous drivers the same way it has on youth crime after releasing sobering statistics.

Queensland’s peak transport advocate has urged the state government to crack down on dangerous drivers the same way it has on youth crime amid an alarming trend in fatalities which saw more motorists killed on roads than at the hands of others.

According to police data, 302 people died on Queensland roads in 2024 – exceeding the 188 people killed through homicide, manslaughter or dangerous driving.

The alarming comparison has prompted the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) to launch a campaign demanding the government increase its police presence on roads and increase roadside drug and alcohol testing, warning drivers had become too relaxed about road rules.

RACQ advocacy general manager Joshua Cooney said police visibility had drastically declined on Queensland roads during Covid as officers were diverted to pandemic duties and the advocacy body now expected the Crisafulli government to crack down on reckless drivers to bring down the growing road toll.

“The government came with a law and order agenda and a community safety agenda,” Mr Cooney said.

“We regard our terrible road toll as a law and order and community safety issue.

“Our message to government is simple, make motorists feel they will be caught, they will suffer the right consequence if they flouts our road rules.

“More people die on our roads than most other causes.”

There were 193 people who committed offences resulting in death, including 186 adults and seven children.

Police Minister Dan Purdie conceded that driver behaviour was directly influenced by police presence but would not say when extra police officers would be seen on Queensland roads.

“This government is tough on all crime, regardless of where it is being committed and whether the offender is an adult or juvenile,” he said.

“We know that drivers respond and change their behaviour on the road when they see marked police cars and officers enforcing the laws.

“Every life lost on our road is a tragedy that in most cases could have been avoided, especially given the majority of deaths are caused by the fatal five.”

The QPS conducted more than 1.8 million roadside breath tests last year and more than 56,500 roadside drug tests, charging more than 15,300 motorists with drink-driving offences.

But RACQ says Queensland should be conducting 4 million drink driving and drug tests per year and expand anti-hooning laws that would see vehicles seized and impounded after multiple serious offences.

Mr Cooney said if road fatalities had continued on the same pre-covid trajectory, Queensland should be recording at least 100 fewer deaths.

“We can’t consider 300 deaths as normal. It’s not normal,” he said.

The government has committed to increasing the number of police by 1600 by 2028.

There have been 47 road fatalities recorded so far in 2025.

Originally published as RACQ warns drivers too relaxed on breaking rules, pushes for more cops on streets