THE M1 at Springwood has been highlighted in worrying new stats that revealed there have been more deaths on Queensland roads in 2020 than last year.
The latest available data shows 61 lives have been lost on Queensland roads in 2020 compared to 57 the same time last year, despite traffic volumes plunging more than 30 per cent on many major roads.
Traffic on the M1 at Springwood is down by 38 per cent on last year.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said with less drivers on the road, police are reporting people taking increased risks like speeding. He said regions like Mackay, the Wide Bay, South West and South East in particular had seen more lives lost so far than in 2019.
"Initial crash reports are also showing that not wearing a seat belt has been a cause of lives lost on our roads," he said.
The message to drivers is to stay at home, but if you need to drive for an essential reason remember to drive safely.
"While we are very focused on saving lives from COVID-19, we also want to save as many lives on our roads as possible too. Eighty per cent of fatalities on our roads are due to risky choices - these are preventable," Mr Bailey said.
He said motorists should keep an eye out for truckies carrying freight as well as first responders and road crews.
"With less cars on the road, crews are getting stuck into upgrades, so make sure you drive to conditions and reduced speed zones," he said.
