THE New South Wales and Queensland governments urge motorists to drive safely and look out for each other, after a record number of deaths on the roads last year.

New South Wales recorded 340 road deaths in 2024 – the same number lost in 2023.

Queensland recorded 302 road deaths – the highest since 2010 and 33 more than the five-year average.

New South Wales data suggests there was a slight moderation in the second half of the year as a string of measures were introduced to tighten road safety, including the introduction of seatbelt cameras.

Speed remains the biggest killer on New South Wales roads. In 2024, 136 people died in crashes where speed was a factor.

Similar to recent years, many deaths happened in regional New South Wales.

In 2024, 234 people died on regional roads, down two per cent on the previous year.

Fatigue remains a stubborn problem, with 77 fatalities in New South Wales attributed to driver tiredness.

Alcohol and drugs are also preventable issues factoring in too many deaths.

However, in the first nine months of last year, the preliminary figures show a decrease from 2023 of 12 per cent for alcohol and 20 per cent for drugs.

The number of bicycle rider deaths in New South Wales has hit the equal lowest level in the state’s history since detailed records began in 1960, with five cyclists dying in 2024.

Pedestrian deaths are also lower than in previous years.

However, there has been a concerning rise in deaths of motorcyclists with 67 deaths, an increase of 34 per cent when compared to 2023 figures.

In Queensland, there is also an upward trend in motorcycle riders being vastly over-represented in road trauma, with 77 riders killed in 2024.

This is 25.5 per cent above the five-year average, despite motorcycles comprising just four per cent of registered vehicles on the roads.

Also in Queensland, drivers aged 16 to 24 make up around 13 per cent of licence holders in the state, but tragically are involved in nearly 30 per cent of the fatal crashes, highlighting the importance of on-going education.

Similarly, 98 lives were lost on Queensland roads in 2024 as a result of crashes involving senior drivers, which is a 32 per cent increase compared to the average of the previous five years.

In Queensland, the most common factors in serious and fatal crashes are the Fatal Five: speeding, fatigue, incorrect seatbelt use, drink and drug driving, and distraction, including mobile phone use.

Heavy vehicles – excluding buses – are also over-represented in fatal crashes in Queensland.

They comprise around two per cent of registered vehicles, yet as they spend more time on the roads, they are involved in around 15 per cent of fatalities.

With more Queenslanders using e-scooters, e-skateboards and solo wheels, 2024 saw eight people lose their lives on personal mobility devices (PMDs), with this number anticipated to rise as usage increases.

New South Wales minister for Roads, John Graham, said too many lives were lost on the state’s roads last year.

“We should never become desensitised to the annual figure or accept that it should be as high as 340 as it has been for the last two years running. Every one of these 340 represents a family and network of loved ones and friends who will never be the same for having lost someone,” Mr Graham said.

“If there is a bright spot in the data in 2024 it is that the sharply higher trend of fatalities recorded in 2023 has not continued and we did not see another increase in the total.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said speeding remains the number one issue in New South Wales when it comes to road trauma.

“The government is doing everything it can to educate and enforce the rules around speeding,” Ms Aitchison said.

“We are rolling out more sites for camera enforcement, trialling the use of average speed cameras for light vehicles, reviewing speed zones, delivering public education campaigns and working with NSW Police.

“It’s heartening to see preliminary information showing a reduction in the involvement of drugs and alcohol in fatal crashes and I continue to remind all road users it is vital they take personal responsibility when behind the wheel—whether it’s obeying speed limits and driving to the conditions, taking regular breaks, never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not being distracted by mobile phones and always, always wearing a seat belt,” she said.

Most deaths in Queensland occurred in regional areas, where more than 60 per cent of fatalities were recorded.

The Southern region – Darling Downs, Ipswich and south-west Queensland – had the highest number of fatalities.

The north-coast police region – Bundaberg, Gympie, Maryborough, Moreton and Sunshine Coast areas –  was next, followed by central Queensland and Brisbane.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said there is no excuse for speeding.

“Whether it’s a small trip, or a lengthy road trip, there is still no excuse to speed, lose focus, not wear a seat belt properly or drive when you’re affected by drugs or alcohol – it’s just not worth the risk,” Mr Mickelberg said.

Mr Mickelberg said he will take up the fight with the federal government for more funding to improve safety on the Bruce Highway.

“The Bruce Highway is a major national route, and it is about time the Federal Government fronted up and provided the funding needed to keep Queensland moving,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“Too many people are losing their lives on the Bruce Highway, and every life cut short leaves a permanent mark on families and has a devastating impact on the entire community.

“At this time of year, we know people typically spend more time on the road than usual.”

Media Release