A HIGH number of deaths and 232 car crashes in five years is why the Wide Bay region section of the Bruce Highway has been named as one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Queensland.

The latest Australian Road Assessment Program report, released recently by RACQ, identified sections of the Bruce Highway which had some of the highest combined crash risk ratings of major roads across the nation.

RACQ spokesman Paul Turner said the Bruce Highway through Tiaro, Childers and Gin Gin was named the seventh worst in Queensland.

"The two sections of Bruce Highway from Tiaro to Childers and Childers to Gin Gin recorded an appalling 232 casualty crashes and 30 deaths between 2010 and 2014,” Mr Turner said.

The report revealed the Bruce Highway accounted for 11 of 21 high-risk sections of national highway identified in Queensland, with Mr Turner stating more needed to be done.

"We welcome the significant investment in the Bruce Highway over the past few years, but we're asking the Federal and State governments to fast track the 10-year program of works to deliver safer roads sooner,” he said.

"Safety improvements south between Cooroy and Gympie since 2010 have delivered a 50% reduction in injury crashes.”

Mr Turner said the safety improvements required on the Bruce Highway included safety barriers or removal of roadside hazards, shoulder widening and intersection improvements.

He also said additional overtaking lanes were needed as well as audio tactile line markings (rumble strips).

To read the full report go to www.ausrap.aaa.asn.au.

Road toll

THE 55km stretch of the Bruce Highway from Childers to Gin Gin has seen 69 casualty crashes and nine deaths from 2010 to 2014.

The 81km section of highway from Tiaro to Childers has seen 163 casualty crashes and twenty one deaths from 2010 to 2014.