General News
21 November, 2022
Road fatalities soar in Far North QLD
LEADING Queensland-based compensation law firm Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) has issued a stark warning to motorists, as the latest data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads reveals 249 people have died because of a car crash on the state’s roads to date this year.
TSP Senior Lawyer and Cairns Leader Beth Rolton said the worrying number is five more than for the same time last year and 31 greater than the previous five-year average for the same period.
“As we prepare to pay our respects for these and all victims of traffic incidents on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 20, it’s incredibly concerning to see that Queensland is on track to have its worst annual road toll in more than a decade,” Ms Rolton said.
“In addition, the figures for North Queensland are particularly concerning, with the region contributing almost 40 per cent of the state’s total fatal motor vehicle accidents.
“While many injuries are caused by speeding and drunk driving, distraction when driving is now one of the leading causes for motor vehicle accidents accounting for 30 to 40 per cent of all serious and fatal crashes on Australian roads.”
As the state’s road toll continues to climb, TSP sees the consequences of carelessness on Queensland roads, opening numerous motor vehicle injury-related claims every week.
“Since restrictions have been lifted, we have seen an increase in the number of CTP claims across the Cairns region to higher than before COVID,” Ms Rolton said.
“For more than a decade, I have been assisting people injured in motor vehicle accidents on roads within the Cairns region.
“And while many of these accidents occur at low speed in built-up areas, the accidents that occur on the various ranges and highways within the region account for the most serious injuries and fatalities.”
When put under the microscope, data from the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) revealed Townsville region accounted for 531 CTP claims while Cairns, with a population significantly less than its southern counterpart, accounted for 631.
Ms Rolton said these figures served as a timely reminder to be more vigilant when getting behind the wheel.
“I have spent more than a decade working with victims of motor vehicle accidents, and I have seen firsthand that the impact for these victims goes far beyond the physical injuries,” he said.
“Too often, victims of road accidents are left with devastating — and often permanent — injuries.
“There is a toll on their employment, financial security, relationships and mental health.
“I would encourage all road users to use this International Day of Remembrance to reflect on their driving habits and avoid taking risks that could cost them or another person their lives.
“Take care on our roads, drive to the conditions and avoid distractions,” she said.
