The Bruce Highway in Caboolture is one of the most dangerous roads in Queensland, with crash numbers continuing to rise. This highlights growing road safety concerns in both Caboolture and the wider Moreton Bay area.
In 2024, Queensland recorded a total of 302 road fatalities, marking the highest toll since 2009. Over the past five years, Moreton Bay has seen 95 road deaths, and this busy stretch of Caboolture is a major trouble spot with heavy traffic and congestion. AAMI’s crash index report ranks Caboolture in the top five most dangerous areas, blaming high traffic and risky driving.
Why Are There So Many Crashes?
The most common crash type in Caboolture is nose-to-tail accidents, which make up 25% of all crashes in the past decade. The most dangerous times are in the afternoon, especially during school pick-up hours, and Fridays see the highest number of crashes.
In Moreton Bay, 18 people lost their lives on the roads in 2024, compared to 20 in 2023, 16 in 2022, 21 in 2021, and 20 in 2020. Even though cars are getting safer, bad driving habits are still causing accidents.
The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) says tougher rules and penalties are needed to stop dangerous driving and improve road safety.
The biggest causes of serious crashes continue to be the ‘Fatal Five’: speeding, fatigue, distractions (like using mobile phones), not wearing seatbelts properly, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officials warn that speeding is getting worse every year and urge drivers to slow down and drive safely.
What Is Being Done?
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and road safety groups such as RACQ are trying to improve road safety. They are advocating for tougher sanctions and increased public awareness to promote safer driving in congested locations such as Caboolture.
Recent efforts include bringing back the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to focus on key safety issues and making it a priority to secure more funding from the federal government to speed up improvements.
The Moreton Bay region, especially Caboolture, is a key focus for road safety efforts. Authorities ask drivers to stay alert, follow the rules, and help reduce preventable crashes.
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook
Published 24-Jan-2025
