The call has gone out to North Queenslanders to drive safe on the roads following the deaths of 30 people on northern roads so far this year.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the number of road fatalities on state roads was down across the state compared to this time last year, except in North Queensland.
"Families and friends suffer terribly, and the first responders who investigate these terrible crashes are left deal with the trauma caused by these incidents," Mr Bailey said.
"Unfortunately, if you look around the state right now, it's those families and emergency workers in Townsville, Mount Isa and Far North region who have shouldered more of that burden this year.
"The government definitely has a role to play by making roads safer and educating drivers.
"We're doing that with a $12.6 billion jointly funded program to upgrade the Bruce Highway by building more overtaking and turning lanes and installing wider centre lines and safety barriers.
"Last year, 54 projects valued at over $31 million were funded through the Safer Roads Sooner Program, including $3.5 million to upgrade Mareeba-Dimbulah Road at Dimbulah.
"On top of that, the Palaszczuk Government allocated $45 million to target high risk roads in Queensland, which included $18.1 million for the Gillies Range Road.
"This year's road safety budget also increased by $205 million to more than $900 million over four years to improve safety on roads that record the highest number of fatalities and crashes.
"Record roads funding doesn't necessarily change poor choices by drivers though, which are too often the cause of crashes.
'It is up to all of us to respect each other on the roads every time and avoid taking risks.
"The Fatal Five - speeding, distraction, alcohol and drugs, fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt continue to be the major causes of death on our roads."
Mr Bailey said despite years of road safety and education campaigns, simple safety tips continued to be ignored by some motorists.
"If you don't wear a seatbelt or reach for the phone to send a quick text or check social media then your risk of injury or death is much higher than safer drivers," Mr Bailey said.
"It's those risky decisions that mean the difference between life or death, and they need to stop."
As of July 26, 115 people had been killed on Queensland roads.
For more road safety information, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/
