Study Uncovers Roads With Australia’s Most Dangerous Drivers

We have identified the roads where Australians are statistically most likely to encounter dangerous driving, with two major Western Australian transport corridors topping the national rankings. By cross-analysing official speed camera location data with annual road incident figures, our latest study reveals which roads carry the highest dangerous driver scores across the country.

This analysis examined 92,055 reported road crashes across six Australian states and territories in 2023. We combined official state crash datasets with national speed camera data, standardised road names using geocoding, and calculated a weighted danger score based on total incidents, property damage and camera density per road. The result is a national ranking of Australia’s most dangerous roads for drivers.

Our findings show that Western Australia’s Kwinana Freeway ranks as Australia’s most dangerous road for drivers. Although it recorded zero incidents of damage to the surrounding area, the freeway saw 858 incidents per annum and received a medium-high speed camera surveillance score. This combination resulted in the highest overall dangerous driver index score in the country.

The Mitchell Freeway, also in Western Australia, ranked second nationally, reinforcing ongoing concerns around congestion and driver behaviour on Perth’s major transport corridors.

Queensland’s Bruce Highway placed third, while New South Wales accounted for four of the top 10 most dangerous roads: the Pacific Highway, the Princes Highway, the Hume Highway and the Great Western Highway.

New South Wales recorded the highest level of damage to the surrounding area and a higher volume of speed cameras. However, its comparatively lower crash rate positioned it just below Queensland and Western Australia overall.

Victoria’s Princes Highway and Western Australia’s Albany Highway completed the top 10 list. Interestingly, Victorian roads had a markedly low presence in the rankings, suggesting that, statistically speaking, Victoria could be home to Australia’s safest drivers.

Partner at LHD Lawyers, Marko Eric said,

These findings reflect what we see every day in our work with injured Australians. High incident volumes on major transport corridors aren’t just statistics; they represent real people whose lives can change in a split second due to negligent driving.

Many injuries don’t fully present until hours, days or even weeks after a crash. What may seem minor at first can develop into ongoing pain, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention early and to carefully document everything at the scene, from photographs and witness details to accurate driver information.

Our hope is that by identifying these high-risk roads, drivers will approach them with greater awareness and caution. And if the worst does happen, taking the right steps immediately after an accident can make a significant difference in protecting your health, your rights, and any future claim.

Drawing on motor vehicle accident claims experience, Marki Eric has outlined five key steps drivers should take at the scene and in the hours after an accident, for non-life-threatening incidents.

Document the Scene Immediately

Marko Eric at LHD Lawyers said,

Drivers are advised to record as much detail as possible at the scene while memories and evidence are fresh. Take clear photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks and the positions of all vehicles involved. These images can provide critical context later, particularly if fault is disputed or details change once vehicles are moved or towed.

Gather Witness Details

Independent witnesses can be powerful in supporting a claim. If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their full name, phone number and a brief description of what they observed. Witnesses often leave quickly, so collecting their details early can help corroborate your version of events if liability is challenged.

Exchange and Record Driver Information

It’s important to accurately record the other driver’s details. This includes their full name, address, contact number, driver’s licence number, registration and insurer. If possible, photograph their licence and vehicle rather than relying solely on handwritten notes. Errors or missing details can slow the claims process and create unnecessary complications later.

Report the Accident Properly

It’s recommended to report the accident to the police where required, especially if anyone is injured or if the other driver fails to cooperate. A police report creates an official record that can strengthen a compensation claim. Even when police attendance is not mandatory, obtaining an event number can assist insurers and lawyers when reconstructing what happened.

Seek Medical Attention and Keep Records

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, I encourage drivers to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records provide vital evidence linking the accident to your injuries. Keep copies of medical reports, invoices and treatment plans, as these documents help demonstrate the impact of the crash and support any compensation claim made later.

Contact our team at LHD Lawyers today for clear advice and dedicated support tailored to your situation.