Queensland Road Safety Week Prompts Warnings After Rise in Near Misses

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland reported a rise in near misses involving its tow trucks responding to roadside incidents. The organization recorded 29 such incidents between November 2025 and April 2026, more than triple the number from the same period a year earlier.

RACQ Deputy Chief Executive Glenn Toms said Queensland law requires drivers to move over and slow down when they see flashing lights on the roadside. He stated that roadside operators are present to help motorists and that drivers should provide them safe space.

The warnings were issued on the third day of National Road Safety Week. Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent of Road Policing Group Mark Wheeler said police are targeting high-risk behaviors including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, fatigue, and failure to wear seatbelts.

So far this year, 125 people have died on Queensland roads, an increase of almost 30 per cent compared with the same period last year. Toms said the state is on track for one of its deadliest years in recent history. Toms added that the close calls extend risks beyond drivers and passengers to those working to keep roads safe and moving.

He said every incident could have ended in tragedy and that obeying the law protects lives.