Betty Stuart was married to her husband Daniel for more than two decades before a fatal crash changed her world.
Daniel was one of three people killed in a horrific five-car pile-up on Bruce Highway at Maryborough in March.
Police alleged the crash was caused when a driver failed to give way.
Stuart said her whole family was “just torn apart”.
“I was married to that beautiful hunk of a man for 24 years and we were together for 26,” she told 9News.
“I still put a plate out for him for tea. I still make him lunch.”
This year, 259 people have lost their lives on the roads in Queensland.
Each figure represents a loved one, whose death has left families changed forever.
Lauren Bennett lost her brother Ryan Grafton, who was killed in the back of an Uber after a driver allegedly ran a red light in a stolen car.
“I answered my phone and my mum just screamed down the phone that he was gone. Ryan was gone,” she said.
“It was the worst day of my life and my family’s life.”
Police said the grief these families face is a reminder of the dangers on our roads.
Already, 15 more people have been killed on our roads than the same time last year.
“We’re on track for the most devastating year on record,” Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said.
Police have set up a display in the heart of Brisbane this morning that pays tribute to the lives lost and reminds drivers of their responsibility on the roads.
“People are making choices that are putting themselves and others at risk; speeding, driving impaired, failing to wear seatbelts, being fatigued,” Gollschewski said.
Over the upcoming holiday period, high visibility patrols are targeting key areas to try to prevent any more tragedies.
“If you’re tired please pull over, take the time to pull over and have a rest because that 30 minutes can make a difference to your life and to someone else’s life,” Stuart said.
“Slow down, put your phone down, get where you’re going safely. There’s no need for anyone else to lose their lives,” Bennett said.
