As National Road Safety Week draws attention to the toll of dangerous driving, Queensland has emerged as one of the states with the highest rates of risky driver behaviour. With over 1,200 fatalities and 40,000 serious injuries each year on Australian roads, new studies are calling for stronger efforts to change driver habits—especially in Queensland.
Dylan Anderson
Queensland’s Driving Behaviours Under the Microscope
A nationwide study by iSelect found that Queensland ranked second for dangerous driving habits, with 65.3% of drivers admitting to engaging in at least one risky behaviour behind the wheel.
The most common offences include:
- Speeding (reported by 41.2% nationally)
- Driving while extremely tired or drowsy (19.4%)
- Running red lights or stop signs, which Queenslanders admitted to more than drivers in any other state
Mobile Phone Use Remains High
Despite some of the toughest penalties for mobile phone use in Australia, Queensland drivers still rank joint second (alongside NSW and ACT) for phone use behind the wheel, according to data from ROLLiN’ Insurance’s Safe’n’Save program.
Dylan Anderson
On average, Queensland drivers were detected using their phones once every five trips. This level of distraction significantly raises the risk of crashes.
Fastest Drivers in the Country
Queensland is also home to the fastest drivers in the country, with Sunshine Coast drivers averaging 48.9 km/h—well above the national average. The state’s overall average speed sits at 42.8 km/h, also among the highest.
ROLLiN’s data also highlighted that despite having strong braking and acceleration scores, Queensland drivers showed weaknesses in phone use and cornering, which prevented them from topping the national rankings for safe driving.
Youth at Risk
Young drivers in Queensland are disproportionately affected. Drivers aged 16 to 24 continue to represent a significant portion of serious crashes. In 2024 alone, Queensland saw a spike in youth-related fatalities and injuries.
Drug Driving Remains a Concern
Drug driving continues to play a major role in road trauma across regional Queensland. In 2024, it was linked to 70 serious injury crashes in regional areas and a further 129 motorcycle-related injuries.
What Queenslanders Can Do
Authorities are urging Queenslanders to:
- Avoid all mobile phone use while driving
- Obey speed limits and road signals
- Get sufficient rest before driving long distances
- Refrain from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
With high visibility enforcement and public campaigns in place, road users are being reminded that the most effective way to avoid fines—and save lives—is to follow the rules.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Data provided by Rollin and iSelect.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
