This Queensland Road Safety Week (August 18-22), Transurban is calling on freight operators and heavy vehicle drivers across South East Queensland to make safer choices on the road, starting with when and where they stop on high speed motorways.
Between January 1 and August 17, 2025, Transurban responded to almost 19,000 incidents across its roads and tunnels in Greater Brisbane.
On average, almost 130 vehicles are observed stopped in an emergency stopping bay each day, many for non-urgent reasons such as phone calls, checking loads, or switching drivers.
For freight vehicles, the risks are amplified. Stopping unnecessarily on high-speed roads is not only illegal, it’s dangerous and with vehicles travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h, even a momentary stop can lead to serious consequences.
Emergency stopping bays are for real emergencies only and misusing them can block access to incident response vehicles or other motorists who may need them urgently.
Dr Karen Stephan, Transurban’s Road Safety Manager, said Queensland Road Safety Week is a timely reminder that every decision on the road matters, particularly for freight operators who often spend more time on motorways.
“One of the most important things any driver can do if they are involved in an incident is stay in their vehicle, because stepping out into live traffic puts lives at risk,” Stephan said.
“We’ve seen too many close calls where people exited their vehicles into high-speed lanes.
“For freight drivers especially, staying in the cab with your seatbelt on is the safest option until help arrives.”
For heavy vehicle drivers, the size and visibility of their vehicle can create a false sense of safety, said Transurban. But exiting the cab on a motorway, especially on the driver’s side can be very dangerous. Staying inside, with your seat belt fastened, and hazard lights on is the safest course of action.
“And if you need to stop to adjust your load, take a phone call or have a break, exit the motorway and find somewhere safe to pull over.”
Gary Mahon, CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, said the freight industry has a shared responsibility to prioritise safety on motorways, especially when it comes to decisions around when and where to stop.
“Truck drivers need to be aware of the additional risks of stopping on motorways. If you must stop for an emergency, your truck is the safest place you can be. Stay in the cab, keep your seatbelt fastened, and turn on your hazard lights,” Mahon said.
“Have the Linkt incident response number 13 33 31 saved in your phone. Help is just a call away, and it’s worth waiting a few minutes for professional assistance rather than risking a tragedy.
“Every decision behind the wheel matters, and choosing safety protects not just you, but everyone on the road.”
Queensland Road Safety Week is a statewide initiative of the Department of Transport and Main Roads, encouraging all road users to work together for safer roads.
What drivers can do
• Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if you’re involved in an incident.
• If possible, continue driving to the nearest emergency stopping bay or exit and use hazard lights.
• If you must exit, do so from the passenger side and move behind the guard rail.
• Call 13 33 31 – Transurban crews monitor roads 24/7 and will respond within 8 minutes.
• Only use emergency stopping bays when it’s truly an emergency.
Road incident data
• Transurban has responded to almost 19,000 incidents on Transurban roads and tunnels in Greater Brisbane between January 1 to 17 August 17, 2025.
• Transurban’s traffic control team observes an average of 130 vehicles stopped in emergency stopping bays each day, many for non-urgent reasons such as phone calls, checking loads, or switching drivers.
• Transurban has seen almost 4300 vehicles stopped in emergency stopping bays so far this year.