The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging road users to drive safely, adhere to the road rules and remember that every vehicle carries someone's child, parent, sibling or friend.
The call aligns with World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on Sunday 16 November, marking a day to reflect on the heavy toll road tragedies have on our communities.
So far this year, 269 lives have tragically been lost on Queensland roads - 9 more than the same time last year (figures as of 13 November).
Of these fatal crashes, 12 people lost their lives in crashes involving E-Mobility Devices.
Beyond these devastating losses, more than 7,500 people have been seriously injured this year due to traffic incidents on Queensland roads.
Acting Chief Superintendent of Road Policing Group, Steve Newland, said even one life lost is one too many.
"When we discuss lives lost on our roads, we must remember these aren't just numbers - they are people, of all ages, who are loved deeply, and whose absence is felt everyday," A/Chief Superintendent Newland said.
"Behind every statistic is a life that was abruptly cut short, the loss of which has left a community mourning and a family shattered. We can never forget that.
"World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a time for us to not only remember the people whose lives were lost on our roads, but also implore road users to drive responsibly, so everyone can get home safely.
Police are reminding motorists that road safety is everyone's responsibility.
"Every time you get behind the wheel, you have the power to save a life, or take one, and we want all Queenslanders to understand the gravity of this responsibility," A/Chief Superintendent Newland said.
"Road safety is a shared duty, and everyone has a responsibility to ensure everyone makes it home safe".
"The QPS is committed to reducing trauma on Queensland roads, and we will be continuing our tactical and targeted approach to road safety, including enforcing the road rules and engaging with and educating drivers on the risks of dangerous driving, and enforcing safe driving practices".
"However, we also urge all road users to remember the role they have to play, and remember the fatal five: speeding, impairment, distraction, failing to wear a seatbelt, and fatigue."
The QPS will continue to work with our road safety partners to raise awareness, improve road safety, and advocate for driver behaviours that keep Queensland roads safe.
To learn more about road safety and QPS's initiatives to help make Queensland's roads safer, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/road-safety
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.
Data shows that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the 'Fatal Five' behaviours: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue and distraction.
Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Learn more about staying safe on Queensland roads: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads
