Road safety advocate, Ron Mulder, is calling for caution on the nation’s roads ahead of the footy finals and festive season, following alarming new research from RACQ that reveals a surge in drink and drug driving behaviour across Queensland.

The 2025 Annual Road Safety Survey found 15.7 per cent of Queenslanders admitted to drink driving - the highest figure since the survey began in 2017, with 6.1 per cent of drivers confessing to getting behind the wheel after taking illicit drugs,  with half admitting taking alternative routes to avoid roadside testing, and 40 per cent admitting to using apps to check for police locations. 

According to RACQ, between 2020 and 2024 an average of 57 people lost their lives each year in crashes involving drink drivers, and 59 in drug-related crashes; a significant increase from 2019, when 46 and 43 deaths were recorded respectively; Queensland is tragically on track to record more than 300 road deaths for the second year running.

Mr Mulder said the findings must serve as a wake-up call for every motorist heading into the holiday period.

“The festive season should be a time for joy, not tragedy. These numbers are devastating - they are people, families, and communities forever changed because of poor decisions behind the wheel,” said Mr Mulder.

“What’s most concerning is the cultural complacency around drink and drug driving. Too many people still believe they can outsmart the system, whether by avoiding police testing or relying on an app, no shortcut can erase the fact that impaired driving is deadly and entirely preventable.”

The call for action comes prior to the Kings Birthday Long Weekend, the NRL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup, before the Christmas party season commences, a time with more vehicles on the road and more social events where alcohol and drugs may be present.

Alcohol interlock systems and roadside enforcement programs have proven effective in reducing recidivism among high-risk drivers, but Mr Mulder said the RACQ results show a broader cultural issue that education, community awareness, and personal responsibility must also address.

“We know enforcement works, but it can’t be the only answer. Changing attitudes is just as important. Every driver needs to understand that the risk isn’t worth it - not to themselves, not to the families they might destroy,” he said.

“If you are planning to celebrate as we head into the festive season, plan your travel as carefully as you plan your party. Organise a designated driver, use a rideshare, or stay the night - anything but driving impaired. The decision is simple and it could save your life or someone else’s.” 

RACQ has urged government and law enforcement agencies to step up roadside testing, make drug testing mandatory at all crash scenes, and introduce stronger penalties for repeat and extreme offenders. It has also called for more investment in rehabilitation and education programs to shift cultural attitudes.

Mr Mulder said he strongly supports these recommendations and believes community engagement is vital to lasting change.

“We all share the roads, and we all share the responsibility to keep them safe. This time of year is about connecting and celebrating with people, not about allowing poor decisions  to turn it into a time of mourning,” he said.

About the Research

• 15.7% of Queenslanders admit to drink driving - highest since 2017
• 6.1% admit to drug driving
• 57 deaths/year (2020–2024) in crashes involving drink drivers
• 59 deaths/year (2020–2024) in crashes involving drug drivers
• 50%+ of drivers have avoided police testing routes
• 40% use apps to check for police locations

To learn more about RACQ’s 2025 Road Safety Survey and its advocacy for stronger road safety measures, visit: racq.com.au/news/advocacy

About Affordable Interlock Systems

Affordable Interlock Systems (AIS) was established to help people during a difficult time. We've partnered with a leading provider of ignition interlocks who has decades of experience in the field. The quality, ease of use and flexibility of the ALCOLOCK product line make them the devices of choice for drivers worldwide.

AIS makes it easy for individuals convicted of drink-driving offences to adhere to their jurisdictional program requirements and work towards reinstating their driving licence. Seeing an opportunity to help more Australians easily reinstate their licences after a drink-driving conviction, and without the customer feeling embarrassed,  Ron Mulder established Affordable Interlock Systems in 2019.

 With decades of experience across many different areas of business, Ron is so passionate about customer service and customer well-being that his personal motto has become “If it’s not right for the customer, then it’s not right for the company”.

For all media enquiries, images, or interviews, please contact e enquiries@affordableinterlocks.com.au  Ph: 1800 252 656