Road to Ruin – Australia’s Deadliest Roads Revealed

Australia’s a land of plenty – plenty of land, plenty of beautiful spots, plenty of stuff to kill you.

Recent reports by the Australian Automobile Association and AAMI Insurance ranked the deadliest roads in Australia, taking into account accident data, safety concerns, and the unique challenges each road presents.

1. Stuart Highway, Northern Territory

Stuart Highway, stretching from Darwin to Port Augusta, covers vast stretches of isolated terrain, making it one of the most dangerous roads in Australia. The combination of harsh weather conditions, including searing heat and unpredictable cyclones, amplifies the risks for drivers. The Stuart Highway also features areas with high populations of wildlife, leading to frequent collisions with kangaroos, emus and other animals. With minimal lighting, barriers and signage, the Stuart Highway is responsible for many of the 40 – 50 deaths that happen each year on Northern Territory roads.

2. Pacific Highway, New South Wales

The Pacific Highway connects Sydney and Brisbane, and is one of Australia’s busiest roads. Whilst the infrastructure is always improving and safety campaigns have contributed to a gradual reduction in fatalities along this corridor, high speeds and heavy traffic, especially during the holidays, causes around 1,200 people to be injured every year on the Pacific Highway.

3. Bruce Highway, Queensland

Surprise, surprise – the Bruce Highway, extending from Cairns to Brisbane, features on a list of the deadliest roads in Australia. With narrow single lanes, heavy usage by trucks, sharp bends, and frequent intersections, the Bruce Highway has well and truly earnt its reputation as the most dangerous road in Queensland. And lets not forget the potholes!

4. Hume Highway, New South Wales/Victoria

Linking Sydney and Melbourne, the Hume Highway plays a pivotal role in interstate transportation. Unfortunately, it also witnesses a significant number of accidents, primarily due to heavy traffic, driver fatigue and kangaroos. The road’s long, monotonous stretches lulls drivers into a false sense of security, leading to lapses in concentration. In response, initiatives by the New South Wales and Victorian Governments are constantly being implemented to improve rest areas, promote driver awareness, and crack down on reckless behaviour.

4. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is renowned worldwide for its stunning coastal scenery, but its breathtaking beauty conceals inherent dangers. This winding road, with narrow sections and steep cliffs, poses unique challenges to drivers. Accidents often occur due to drivers “rubber necking” – taking in the spectacular views while neglecting to maintain control of their vehicles.

5. Kangaroo Island Coastal Road, South Australia

Kangaroo Island’s Coastal Road is a captivating journey, offering picturesque coastal views and encounters with native wildlife. However, this road is particularly challenging due to the unpredictable nature of the island’s fauna. Kangaroos, wallabies, and other animals frequently cross the road, and drivers must be prepared for sudden wildlife encounters, especially during dawn and dusk. While the island’s authorities have installed warning signs and wildlife corridors, vigilance remains paramount for drivers.

6. Tasman Highway, Tasmania

The Tasman Highway connects Hobart to St. Helens and offers a diverse range of scenery, from lush forests to coastal beauty. However, it can become treacherous during inclement weather, with rain, fog, and snow creating hazardous conditions, particularly in elevated regions. The highway’s winding sections also demand careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles. Tasmania’s authorities continue to invest in improving road quality, updating safety measures, and encouraging responsible driving to mitigate risks on this picturesque yet challenging route.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve been involved in an accident on any of these roads or on another one that hasn’t been listed.

Sources

1. https://www.suncorpgroup.com.au/uploads/AAMI-Crash-Index-2023-Darwin-press-release-FINAL.pdff
2. https://data.aaa.asn.au/insights/figures-highlight-northern-australias-road-safety-challenge/
3. https://www.mynrma.com.au/cars-and-driving/insurance-and-rego/resources/australias-most-dangerous-roads