The story of a motorcyclist who survived a horrific 2021 crash has resurfaced as a stark warning to drivers, just days after a fatal crash in Logan pushed Queensland’s 2025 road toll past 200.
The rapidly rising death statistics – including more than 15 lives lost on local roads this year – has prompted pleas from authorities and emergency services to ‘drive safer’.
On 3 September, Loganlea motorcyclist Adam Croton reunited with the first responders who helped to save his life following a crash at Stapylton four years ago.
On 27 September 2021, Mr Croton’s life was flipped when, at speeds approximating 100km/h, he hit a ute that performed a U-turn in front of him on Jacobs Well Road.
The 31-year-old was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries, including a broken neck, where doctors told his family he was unlikely to survive.
Mr Croton spent 11 months in hospital, undergoing 15 surgeries.
He lost eight weeks of memory, was left without feeling in his left arm and without function from the chest down.
He has required a wheelchair ever since.
It has been a “long and isolating” recovery for Mr Croton, but he is determined to keep moving forward.
“At the start, I had people visiting me all the time, but because I was in hospital for so long, it did get lonely,” Mr Croton said.
“I just try to push myself every day to do new things. I can’t change the outcome, but I can keep working on the future.”
He said he was looking forward to meeting the first responders who helped him, including senior constable Kyle Hutchinson, paramedic Brendon Leech, and Fire Department assistant commissioner Mark Stuart.
“I don’t remember much from that day, or for several weeks after, but I know I wouldn’t be here without them.
“For me, it’s important to say thank you in person. They were the ones who gave me a chance to survive, and I want them to know how much that means to me and my family.”
Mr Hutchinson said attending serious crashes like Mr Croton’s was one of the hardest parts of the job.
“We often see people at their lowest point on the roadside and don’t always know what happens after the incident,” he said.
“To see Adam’s progress and hear his outlook on life is nothing short of inspiring and remarkable.
Mr Leech said Mr Croton’s survival was a testament to his strength and the quick actions of first responders.
“When we arrived that day, Adam’s injuries were critical and there was a real fear he wouldn’t make it,” Brendan said.
“To see him today, smiling, positive and determined, is truly extraordinary.
“Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. We see people in their worst moments, but to reconnect later and see the life they’ve been able to rebuild is one of the greatest rewards of the job.”
Last week, on 30 August, a motorbike rider died after crashing on Greed Ridge Road, Jimboomba while overtaking cars “on the wrong side of the road”, according to police.
Police said a white LVD station wagon made a right turn and “collided with the motorbike” while the rider was overtaking.
