AAMI Crash Index 2018: Australia’s worst crash hot spots

The 2018 AAMI Crash Index explores areas with the highest reported accidents to let you know where to be extra vigilant, and stay safe on the road. See how your city compares.

Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘there’s always an accident on this road?’ Well, you might be right. The 2018 AAMI Crash Index has revealed the most common accident hot spots in Australia’s metro areas. AAMI has analysed thousands of insurance claims (from 1 August 2017 – 31 July 2018) to bring you the latest data on Australian roads.

Explore the most accident-prone areas in your city

Brisbane

Gympie Road (at Chermside and Aspley) is easily Brisbane’s most dangerous hot spot, with the stretch of road running through Chermside accounting for approximately 40% more accidents than the second most dangerous. Brisbane’s northern suburbs have taken this year’s unwanted mantle of its most accident-prone, with more accident claims than their southern counterparts. Does this prove that Brisbane’s roads on the south-side are safer?

Sydney

After relinquishing it’s mantle as the worst crash hot spot in Sydney last year (to Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills; this year’s second worst), the Hume Highway – running through Liverpool – is again the bane of many Sydney-sider’s existence, reclaiming its long-held (2014-2016) place as Sydney’s most dangerous.

Make sure to be extra vigilant on the main roads around the north-west suburbs of Carlingford, Baulkham Hills, West Ryde and Pennant Hills – particularly Pennant Hills Road, which runs through both Carlingford and Pennant Hills, as it is a particularly significant hot spot.

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Melbourne

Which area has the most accidents in Melbourne? Is it Melbourne’s hipster north-side? Or the active-wear-wearing south-side? Neither. Those driving through the eastern suburbs of Doncaster, Glen Waverley, Ferntree Gully, Springvale and Chadstone are the most accident prone. With Doncaster Road and Springvale Road (in Glen Waverley and Springvale) as the area’s worst.

Though Melbourne’s east is prominent, the worst crash hot spot in Melbourne is Plenty Road, Bundoora, in the north.

As with Melbourne’s weather, its road conditions seem equally fickle, with 4 out of the top 10 worst crash hot spots being completely new entrants.

Melbourne shoppers beware! The Chadstone Shopping Centre came in at number 7 in this year’s index, so make sure you avoid any nasty surprises by being extra safe on the road.

Adelaide

Anyone who frequents The Parade (running through Adelaide’s suburb of Norwood) will know, it’s no trip down easy street. For 2 years running, this has been the most dangerous crash hot spot in Adelaide. And nearby North Terrace, West Terrace and Port Road make this area around Adelaide’s CBD particularly problematic.

Canberra

Northbourne Avenue in Braddon, Pialligo Avenue in Pialligo, Anketell Street in Greenway and Sulwood Drive in Kambah have all earned themselves an unwanted place among Canberra’s top 10 most prolific accident hot spots.

The Monaro Highway at Hume has managed to dislodge Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick, as Canberra’s worst hot spot – bringing to an end a 3-year reign. That’s no reason to take it easy if you’re heading along Canberra Avenue, because it’s still the second hottest area for accidents.

Canberra crash hot spots rotate faster than Australian Prime Ministers, with 4 new entries into the top 10 – making Canberra equal with Melbourne for overall new arrivals.

Hobart

Unlike most of Australia’s worst crash hot spots, which tend to occur in metro areas outside of the CBD, Hobart’s inner-hub has yet again proven to be its most accident-prone. With Argyle Street, Macquarie Street and Davey Street among the city’s worst areas.

Hobart is not only the Apple Isle’s picturesque capital – home to MONA and the Salamanca Market – but it’s also Australia’s equal-most consistent capital city when it comes to motor vehicle accidents. With only 2 new entrants into its top 10 offenders – the Brooker Highway, running through the suburb of Glenorchy, and Murray Street in the CBD.

Perth

Drivers from Perth are as regular as the Fremantle Doctor in Summer, as Perth is equal with Hobart as Australia’s most consistent city when it comes to crash hot spots, with only 2 new entrants into the top 10 – Canning Highway at Applecross and Wanneroo Road at Wanneroo.

Where are Perth drivers coming unstuck? The Albany Highway in Cannington and the Great Eastern Highway in Midland are Perth’s worst, which serves as a reminder to drivers commuting in these areas to pay particular attention to the road.

Want to avoid the danger in Perth? Head for the coast. With Joondalup Drive in Joondalup the only area near the coast to make it into the top 10.

How to avoid an accident

Concentration can be key to avoiding an accident, so if one (or several) of these crash hot spots are on your regular commute, make sure you’re paying particular attention. Avoid common distractions like mobile phones and other digital devices and always expect the unexpected, so leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front.

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