Driving Down Under: Top 8 Most Dangerous Roads In Australia
When it comes to driving, even the slightest distraction or error can lead to grave consequences. In 2021, there were 1,123 road crash deaths in Australia, 2.6% from 2020. In most cases, driver distraction, failure to give way and tailgating are the leading causes of collisions on Australia’s most dangerous roads. In a bid to help our readers travel safely on our Aussie roads, we have decided to collate a list of the top 8 most dangerous roads in Australia.
From the barren country roads to the chock-a-block city freeways, find out more about the leading causes of accidents and what you can do to prevent them. Read on to find out more.
1. Remembrance Drive, Surfers Paradise QLD
Remembrance Drive is notorious for its congestion that had led it to become on the state’s third most dangerous roads over the last couple of years. With over 20 serious casualties and 8 serious crashes, this stretch of road is one that drivers should pay extra attention to. Most errors and crashes on Remembrance Drive are caused by human error and drivers that either don’t give way to other vehicles or fail to pay attention to traffic signals due to the road’s large and complex nature. Driver fatigue also plays a huge role in staying safe on Australia’s roads. So if you find yourself yawning, rubbing your eyes or are struggling to keep your head up - don’t push through. Remembrance Drive islocated just a stone’s throw away from a number of hotels in Surfers Paradise.
2. Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC
Plenty Road has been named one of Melbourne’s most dangerous roads, on top of being crowned as the most dangerous road in Australia for the fourth year in a row. Trust us when we say that we have even personally witnessed a number of cars haphazardly running red lights towards the Mill Park end of Plenty Road. The high accident rate on Plenty Road can be attested to a few different reasons including multiple lanes running in both directions, numerous entry and exit points, dozens of traffic lights and of course, a massive tram track running right down the middle of the road. Currently, Plenty Road is undergoing major upgrades to help get motorists home safer and sooner.
Tip: Almost a quarter of collisions on Plenty Road occur on Thursday afternoons, so be extra careful if you find yourself travelling on this route.
3. Hume Highway, Liverpool NSW
Coming in at fourth spot for the highest number of collisions in Australia is the Hume Highway in Liverpool, NSW. Between Casula and Campbelltown, there have been seven people killed and over 726 injured in road accidents on the large section of the Hume highway. Some of the most common reasons for this high accident rate include tailgating and driver fatigue especially during peak hours on weekdays. Motorists are advised to drive carefully on this road and to always take a timeout if experiencing driver fatigue or sleepiness. It is important to remember that nodding off for even a fraction of a second is enough to cause a fatal crash.
4. Argyle Street, Hobart TAS
Coming in at number 1 on the list of Tasmania’s most dangerous roads is Argyle Street in Hobart. This stretch in the bustling inner city is where you will find the most collisions that often occur on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings due to work commutes and school drop offs. With so many children in the area, it is vital that motorists pay extra attention and care to safe driving when travelling on Argyle Street or in school zones.
5. Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS
A close runner up to Argyle Street, Macquarie Street in Hobart TAS has been named as the city’s second most dangerous road. With an unfortunately significant number of collisions to its name, this street is highly prone to accidents caused by human error such as failure to give way, poor attention to traffic signals and general traffic hell due to congested roads and impatient motorists.
6. Morayfield Road, Morayfield QLD
Located 45km away from the heart of the Brisbane CBD, Morayfield Road has been revealed as the third most dangerous road in Brisbane. This highly busy street consists of numerous entry and exit points and dozens of traffic lights that have contributed to the high number of accidents over the last couple of years. This road is especially dangerous when it is congested during morning and evening rush hours and drivers are advised to remain undistracted on their commute and to practice considerate driving habits to keep everyone on the road safe.
7. Springvale Road, Springvale VIC
Springvale Road in Victoria spans over 33km, with two major problem spots located on the Springvale and Glen Waverley stretch of this road. Both of these locations came in at second and third position for the most dangerous roads in Melbourne, according to the 2020 AAMI Crash Index. Some of the major contributing reasons to the high level of road accidents on this stretch include congested traffic, driver distractions, failure to give way and tailgating. Another reason for this can also be attested to multi-lane roads with relatively high speed limits.
8. Gympie Road, Chermside QLD
Last on today’s list of most dangerous roads in Australia is Gympie Road in Chermside QLD. This road is heavily frequented by drivers and motorcyclists heading to the Brisbane CBD and is recognised as one of Queensland’s most dangerous stretches of road due to a high number of collisions that occur during the morning rush. Most drivers heading to the CBD in the morning are made up of office workers who are in a rush, thus increasing the risks of travelling on this stretch. Motorists are advised to exercise patience whilst driving and to pay close attention to traffic signs, signals and lights on your journey.
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And there you have it – 8 of Australia’s most dangerous roads in 2022. To ensure a safe journey, we highly recommend our readers to practice safe driving habits such as wearing a seatbelt, not driving when under the influence of drugs/alcohol, paying attention to the road ahead and of course, staying away from using your smartphone during your commute. Even the slightest distraction can lead to a serious or fatal accident, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.