Drive safely on long weekend, say authorities

From Saturday, people can travel up to 50km from their home but worrying data shows more lives have been lost on the state's road so far this year compared to 2019, despite traffic on Queensland's major highways being down more than 30 per cent.

In total, 68 lives have been lost in 2020, eight more than the same period last year.

Police will increase speed detection activities including random speed cameras and proactive patrols.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was critical drivers remember to put 100 per cent of their focus on the road.

"We've made huge progress in flattening the curve, which is why some restrictions will be lifted, but we can't afford to see that translate into deaths on our roads," Mr Bailey said.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said police emphasis would be on the fatal five: speed, fatigue, seat belt use, driver distraction, and drink/drug driving.

"Eighty per cent of fatalities on our roads are because of these risky choices, and all are preventable," Mr Ryan said.

"Unfortunately, police on the ground are reporting more people speeding while crash reports are showing that people aren't wearing seatbelts."

Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said there had been a sharp rise in the rate of speeding motorists on Queensland roads.

"It is very concerning how often our officers and speed camera systems are detecting exceptionally high speeds," Assistant Commissioner Keating said.

"The risks of speeding have not changed and the faster you go, the more consequence there is if you hit something or someone else."

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