A Christmas Day tragedy has taken the number of lives lost of Queensland roads this year to 299, with five behaviours labelled as major contributors to the death toll.

The new figure comes following a Christmas Day tragedy in Logan, where two vehicles crashed at an intersection.

An 83-year-old man was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition where he passed away last night.

The man’s death brings Queensland’s lives lost total to 299 – surpassing the 2022 record of 296, and marking the highest level in 10 years.

Mr Purdie said the unfortunate milestone was a stark reminder that police alone cannot 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,” Mr Purdie said.

“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.

“We all have to do our part to ensure safety on our 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.”

Media Release

Image: RACQ