Far North Roads See Deadly Toll

Queensland police are urging motorists to drive safely after 18 people died on Far North roads in 2026, eight more fatalities than at the same time last year. The appeal comes during Queensland Road Safety Week, with officers targeting dangerous driving across the region.

Police enforcement operations will focus on drink- and drug-driving, mobile phone use, speeding, fatigue and failing to wear seatbelts. Officers said enforcement would take place across the Far North as part of efforts to reduce road trauma.

In one recent case, Innisfail Highway Patrol officers allegedly detected a motorcycle travelling at 161 kilometres per hour in a 100km/h zone on the Bruce Highway near Damper Creek on August 5. Police allege the 33-year-old Townsville rider evaded officers before being intercepted near Ellerbeck.

The man was charged with evading police and issued a traffic infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h. He received a $1,986 fine, eight demerit points and a 90-day motorcycle impoundment, and is due to appear in Tully Magistrates Court on September 3.

Cairns Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Greg Rose said crashes caused lasting devastation for families. He urged drivers to avoid impaired, distracted or fatigued driving and to remember that road safety depended on every motorist’s decisions.