Queensland’s road toll has reached 250 deaths so far this year, coinciding with the start of the severe weather season and raising concerns among insurers and road safety advocates.
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) recently declared a Significant Event following a hailstorm that affected the greater Brisbane area, with insurers processing over 11,000 claims from residents and businesses as of Oct. 28.
The ICA has initiated its preliminary catastrophe protocols to evaluate the insurance implications of the hail, rain, and strong winds that impacted Brisbane and Ipswich.
As part of the Significant Event declaration, the ICA is collecting and analysing claims data in collaboration with its members.
The council is also working with government agencies to assess the broader community impact and ensure that those affected receive support.
The increase in road fatalities comes as Queensland faces the prospect of its highest annual toll since 2009.
Dr Michael Kane, head of public policy at RACQ, noted the gravity of the situation.
“We’re staring down the barrel of a 16-year record no one wants to break,” he said.
He urged drivers to be vigilant, especially with forecasts predicting more severe weather and increased travel during the end-of-year period.
RACQ’s projections suggest that if current trends persist, Queensland could see annual road deaths exceed 400 by 2032.
Kane pointed to a reversal in the downward trend seen prior to the pandemic.
“In 2019, we recorded our lowest road toll for decades – 220 deaths; we were heading in the right direction, but since COVID that trend has reversed dramatically,” he said.
The insurance sector is responding to the dual pressures of rising claims from weather events and the ongoing road safety crisis.
The ICA’s coordination with authorities aims to streamline claims handling and provide timely assistance to policyholders.
Speeding remains a significant factor in fatal crashes, according to RACQ’s general manager of advocacy, Josh Cooney.
“Right now, one person dies on our roads almost every day, and speeding remains the leading factor in fatal crashes, contributing to an average of 79 deaths every year,” Cooney said.
RACQ’s 2025 Annual Road Safety Survey found that more than 75% of Queensland drivers admitted to speeding, with young men aged 18 to 24 being the most likely to exceed speed limits.
Nearly one-third of this demographic believed it was safe to drive more than 11km/h over the posted speed.
Complacency and a perceived low risk of detection were also cited, with 65% of drivers reporting inattention and nearly half believing they would not be caught.
In response, RACQ has launched the “Get Serious on Road Safety” campaign, advocating for increased police presence, expanded use of speed cameras, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
Kane emphasised the importance of enforcement.
“We know enforcement works; when people believe they’ll get caught, they’re more likely to do the right thing,” he said.
He also recommended that drivers ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and avoid travel during hazardous weather.
The combination of severe weather and rising road fatalities is expected to continue challenging Queensland’s insurance sector.
Insurers are managing a growing volume of claims while supporting initiatives aimed at improving road safety.
Industry stakeholders and advocacy groups are calling for a coordinated approach to reduce risks on the road and address the underlying causes of fatal crashes.
“To reverse this trend, awareness isn’t enough – we need action," Cooney said. "That’s why RACQ launched our ‘Get Serious on Road Safety’ campaign this year, and we will continue to advocate for meaningful action until Queensland’s road safety crisis is addressed.”
