A comprehensive analysis by AAMI in the Decade of Driving Report, surveying over 4.3 million national motor claims from 2014 to 2023, has identified Marion Road in Marion as South Australia’s most perilous road. The report provides a deep dive into the patterns of vehicular accidents not only in South Australia but across the nation, revealing crucial insights into common crashes, the effects of time of day, and demographic details on drivers most involved in accidents.
Nationally, the type of accident occurring most frequently is the nose-to-tail crash, constituting 26% of incidents recorded in the period under review. Additionally, the data points to Friday, specifically in the afternoons from 1-4:30pm, as possessing the highest risk for drivers. This time coincides with the end of the school day and the beginning of the weekend rush, underlying tensions and reduced attentiveness that can lead to accidents.
In terms of demographics, male drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in a crash compared to their female counterparts, with a distribution of 54% to 46%. Motorists aged 65 and over are most frequently involved in insurance claims, representing 26% of the accidents reported.
Leah James, AAMI Motor Claims Manager, commented on the findings, saying “While there have been many changes to the types of vehicles we drive since we started the AAMI Crash Index in 1994, AAMI’s Decade of Driving Report found that unfortunately we haven’t changed much about the way we drive.”
James further noted that nose-to-tail crashes and the failure to give way are consistently prevalent, which suggests a national tendency towards tailgating and distracted driving.
The report ranks the top 10 crash hotspots in South Australia as follows:
- Marion, Marion Road
- Adelaide, North Terrace
- Prospect, Prospect Road
- Coober Pedy, Stuart Hwy
- Adelaide, West Terrace
- Brighton, Brighton Road
- Unley, Unley Road
- Edwardstown, South Road
- Modbury, North East Road
- Elizabeth, Main North Road
Each of these areas has been noted for their high traffic volumes and their roles as main arteries through busy locales such as commercial, educational, and shopping precincts.
The report sheds light on animal-related incidents in the state, with kangaroos, emus, and dogs being the most common animals involved in collisions in South Australia (in that order). Specific hotspots for animal collisions have been identified in Port Augusta, Mount Gambier, and Hawker.
Overall, South Australia’s accident statistics resonate with national trends, with Marion Road repeatedly marked as the most notorious stretch for drivers. This extensive research into ten years of driving data provides a valuable resource for state authorities and road users in their efforts to enhance safety and reduce vehicle-related incidents. It also underlines the critical need for continuous public awareness and infrastructural adjustments to address high-risk conditions and behaviours on the roads.
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