Shocking statistics have revealed Queensland’s most dangerous roads for motorcyclists, with riders warned to slow down and adjust to the conditions.

As of last week, 22 motorcyclists have lost their lives on the state’s roads in 2025 — just 10 fewer than the total number of fatalities in 2024.

Recent RACQ crash data shows Mount Glorious Tourist Drive, located north-west of Brisbane, tops the list for fatalities and serious injuries.

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A shocking 92 per cent of the 54 crashes along the 27-kilometre stretch between Mount Glorious and Somerset involved motorbikes.

“The data paints a terrifyingly clear picture,” said RACQ Road Safety and Technical Manager, Joel Tucker.

“Too many motorcycle riders are pushing their limits on hinterland roads and paying severe consequences for it.”

The findings indicate that 80 per cent of fatal and serious injury motorcycle crashes on Mount Glorious were single-vehicle incidents, while 74 per cent occurred on weekends, and 94 per cent were on curves.

Perhaps surprisingly, 96 per cent took place in daylight under clear and dry conditions.

Deadliest roads in QLD according to RACQ

• Mount Glorious Road: 82 per cent of crashes result in fatal or serious injuries
• Mount Mee Road: 76 per cent of crashes result in fatal or serious injuries
• Beechmont Road: 60 per cent of crashes result in fatal or serious injuries

“Hinterland roads are not designed to be used like a racetrack – they’re for transport; and while they travel through some spectacular environments and can be a lot of fun to ride, they are often narrow, covered in slippery leaf litter, and lack safety design features,” Tucker explained.

RACQ is calling on the Queensland Government to implement stricter speed enforcement measures on these high-risk roads.

“We believe measures like installing portable point-to-point speed cameras would be effective at reducing crash rates, particularly on hinterland roads, as they would encourage motorists to slow down and keep their speeds at or below the limit over longer distances,” Tucker said.

Devastating consequences of motorcycle crashes

Experts warn about the potentially catastrophic consequences of crashes on these roads.

“When you crash and come off a motorcycle, there is little protecting your body, especially if you are not wearing good safety gear,” said trauma surgeon Professor Martin Wullschleger, chair of the Queensland Trauma Committee at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

“I’ve seen far too many injured motorcyclists, spanning from fatal and life-changing brain injuries, to men with shattered pelvises and genitals after their pelvises hit the fuel tanks on initial impact.

“Others came off second best with shattered arms and legs, sometimes needing multiple reconstructive operations or even amputations.”

Tackling overconfidence and risk-taking

Overconfidence is often cited as a major factor in these dangerous crashes.

“It takes around 20 hours of training to get your licence versus up to 10,000 hours needed for mastery,” said Mark McVeigh, CEO of motoDNA Academy and former MotoGP engineer.

McVeigh lost his best mate in a motorcycle crash 40 years ago, which inspired him to found the rider training organisation.

“Riders need to have a ‘learn for life’ mindset and embrace training which is not just about machine control skills and road-craft, but also the mental approach,” he said.

“I am sure riders who have crashed did not think it would happen to them.”

McVeigh advocates for rider training beyond the basics, stressing its importance in preventing accidents.

He now facilitates on- and off-road training courses at the RACQ’s Mobility Centre, helping riders refine their techniques and build crucial skills for safer riding.

Riders urged to rethink

Motorcycle crashes continue to rise on Queensland’s roads, prompting the RACQ to urge riders to be more cautious and take responsibility for their safety.

“If riders or drivers want to go faster than the signed speed limit or push their abilities or their machine to its limits, they need to go to an actual racetrack, not a public road,” Tucker said.

“Your life matters,” he urged, calling on riders to ride responsibly for their own safety and that of others.

“Please drop the ego, not the bike.”