Police crack down on drink driving, e-devices amid rising road death toll
More than 300 people have died on Queensland roads this year, with four additional deaths already recorded over the Christmas period. It has prompted a plea from authorities to ensure it does not get higher.
With only days remaining of 2025, Queensland police say the state has recorded a tragic milestone – road deaths have reached a 16-year high.
Throughout 2025, 302 people lost their lives on the roads, with police saying on Sunday that an additional four road deaths were believed to have occurred over the Christmas period.
It is the highest number of fatalities recorded since 2009, when 331 people died.
Last year, 302 people lost their lives on Queensland's roads.
Fourteen of the state's deaths were linked to incidents involving e-mobility devices. (ABC News)
Fourteen of this year's deaths have been linked to incidents involving e-mobility devices – an issue police have been cracking down on since November this year.
Since a targeted operation began last month, police have issued more than 2,100 fines in relation to the use of the devices.
The majority of those were for riders not wearing helmets, although fines were also issued for riders who failed to stop or evaded police.
A memorial for a Queensland high school student killed in an e-scooter crash in April. (ABC Southern QLD: Peter Sanders)
A message for riders
Police Minister Dan Purdie said more than 4,500 hours of police work had been dedicated to the targeted operation, which was due to continue into the new year.
"I want to send a clear message to parents and owners of these devices, particularly those who might have received [them] for Christmas," he said.
"You need to understand the laws and you need to know that our police are out in force targeting the illegal and unsafe use of e-bikes and e-scooters, and they'll continue to do that."
Queensland Police Inspector Gareth Bosley said the increasing popularity of e-mobility devices had led to an increase in deaths and injuries as a result of them.
"Many of the devices being utilised are illegal and unlawful devices ... high-powered devices capable of travelling similar speeds to a motorcycle being ridden on our roads and pathways," he said.
Inspector Bosley said it was not only riders who were being put at risk, but other road users as well.
Police were working to increase education for children and parents about the devices by working closely with schools, Inspector Bosley said.
"Is it absolutely imperative for parents to provide adequate supervision with these devices," he explained.