Queensland is Protecting People by Improving Rural Driving Behaviours

This Rural Road Safety Month, the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) is highlighting how improving driving behaviours saves lives, particularly on rural roads. Rural roads account for 69% of Australian road fatalities, despite housing just 27% of the population.

Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) expanded its Acusensus speed, mobile phone and seatbelt non-compliance detection programs in 2025, working to motivate safer driving behaviours across its approximately 193,911 km road network. Automated enforcement at this scale creates the perception of anywhere, anytime enforcement, a key driver of lasting behaviour change.

Acusensus seatbelt program maturity coincides with real, life-saving results, as data shows a significant reduction in unrestrained fatalities on Queensland roads, with around 15 fatalities avoided each of the last two years compared to the previous four year average, representing a 36% reduction.

Small changes in behaviour add up. This Rural Road Safety Month, slow down, stay alert and look out for others on the road.