Split-second driving lapses linked to South East road deaths
Road deaths across the South East are rising fast, with everyday lapses behind many serious and fatal crashes.
What’s happening?
The South East road toll is rising sharply, with more lives being lost than last year as the region heads into the Christmas travel period.
Gold Coast personal injury lawyer Nickelle Morris says the increase reflects what she sees daily in her work, crashes caused by brief lapses in attention rather than extreme behaviour.
“Not all crashes that we see are caused by reckless speeding or high-risk behaviour,” Ms Morris said.
“What also contributes are the split-second mistakes, glancing down at a phone, turning to check on a passenger, misjudging a merge or following too closely in traffic.”
She said on fast-moving roads, these moments can quickly turn deadly.
“These are ordinary moments, but on fast-moving roads like the Gold Coast, they can be the difference between a near miss and a catastrophic injury.”
Why it matters
Ms Morris said the South East is now carrying a worrying share of Queensland’s road trauma.
“Our community is carrying a heavy and disproportionate share of trauma for the number of people who live here, much of it from crashes that could have been prevented.”
She said the impact extends far beyond the roadside.
“Behind every statistic is a shattered family. These crashes don’t just claim lives, including those of young children and loved ones, they also leave survivors with significant injuries that alter the course of their lives forever.”
By the numbers
46 people have died on South East roads this year, including the Gold Coast and Logan, according to the latest Transport and Main Roads data.
A 28 per cent increase has been recorded compared to the same period last year, showing a sharp year-on-year rise.
One in six of Queensland’s road deaths this year has occurred in the South East, placing the region well above its share.
Local impact
Ms Morris said the victims are often the most vulnerable road users.
People walking to shops or parks, riding scooters, or cycling on shared paths are among those suffering the most severe injuries.
“We see families shattered by crashes that were easily avoidable,” she said.
“For those who survive, the injuries are often severe, including brain trauma, spinal injuries and amputations, leaving families to navigate years of uncertainty and heartbreak.”
Zoom in
Ms Morris said crash locations reveal clear patterns across the Gold Coast.
High-speed merging and tailgating on the M1, abrupt lane changes at large multi-lane roundabouts, and heavy pedestrian activity along busy coastal arterials all increase risk.
“The Gold Coast has a fast-moving, complex road network,” she said.
“When someone’s attention slips, even briefly, there’s often no margin for error.”
Zoom out
From a legal perspective, Ms Morris said responsibility is often clear.
Drivers owe a duty of care to everyone around them.
“When a driver drifts out of their lane, misses a merge or fails to look up before entering a crossing, the law treats that as a breach of their duty of care,” she said.
“Distraction is not a defence, and in most cases, liability rests with the at-fault driver.”
What to look for next?
With Christmas travel approaching, Ms Morris warned that the risks will rise further.
Heavier traffic, more pedestrians and later nights increase the danger.
“A moment of inattention can change the course of multiple lives,” she said.
“Choose patience, choose attention, choose care, because no family should spend Christmas grieving a loss that never had to happen.”