May 16, 2025
It’s National Road Safety Week and all MEU members are encourage to reduce their risks on the road by remembering the ‘fatal five’: fatigue, speeding, drinking and drug driving, distraction and seatbelt use.
The Queensland District is campaigning to improve safety and reduce deaths on roads in mining regions. Each year, an average of 31 people are killed, and 462 severely injured, on Queensland roads- with these incidents disproportionately occurring in the regions.
Further, the latest figures from the Department of Transport and Main roads revealed that in 2024 the Central Region recorded 49 crashes – a 40% increase over the previous year. This sharp rise far outpaces the statewide increase, where crash numbers rose by just 9.4% from 2023.
The biggest factors in regional road accidents and fatalities? Fatigue, and the conditions of our roads. In the regions as many as 60% of all road deaths and serious injuries are due to fatigue, which slows your reflexes, clouds your judgement, and affects your ability to perform safely.
Likewise, the conditions of regional roads have directly contributed to a number of tragic accidents in mining communities in recent memory. The roads we use weren’t built for today’s traffic demands – especially with the volume of vehicles and the presence of heavy vehicles and wide loads. This puts pressure on drivers to take risks, creating a dangerous environment for all road users.
What can you do to prevent road fatalities? Join us in advocating for an improvement to our neglected roads and if you’re in Queensland; attend a Road Safety roadshow planned for your local mining community.
Most importantly – remember the Fatal Five, the five behaviours responsible for the majority of traffic accidents.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a serious safety risk — on the job, behind the wheel, and even at home. In the mining industry, where shift work, long hours, and early starts are common, coal mine workers are especially vulnerable. Have a plan for road safety if you are at risk of fatigue.
Speeding
Speeding by as little as 5km/h is enough to double the risk of serious and fatal traffic incidents. Avoid speeding, particularly on poorly maintained roads, or in poor conditions.
Drinking and Drug Driving
Drinking and drug driving seriously impairs your judgement, reflexes, and gives you a false sense of confidence. Over 1 in 4 road fatalities have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.
Distraction
Using a mobile phone while driving is highly distracting and increases your risk of a crash four-fold, even when using a hands-free kit. If you need to use your phone pull over when safe to do so.
Seatbelt use
Should you get in an accident, drivers and passengers are eight times more likely to be killed if they aren’t wearing a seatbelt. Properly wearing your seatbelt can be the difference between life and death.
