Top Crash Trends: Insights from AAMI Data

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Suncorp-owned insurer's study, covering a period from 2014 to the previous year, unveils some startling insights. Surprisingly, drivers aged 65 and above emerge as the primary offenders in crashes, making up 26% of total incidents, the most by any age group.

When it comes to timing, Fridays tops the list, making it the most accident-prone day, accounting for 16% of weekly crashes. In contrast, weekends are relatively safer. The dangerous hours fall between 1pm and 4pm, highlighting a critical window for caution.

Crash types also exhibit notable patterns. The infamous "nose-to-tail" collisions dominate, responsible for 26% of significant accidents. Following closely are situations where drivers fail to give way, accounting for 19%, and incidents involving parked cars at 17%.

Geographically, Plenty Road in Bundoora, a northeast suburb of Melbourne, is infamously notable for vehicular mishaps, making it Australia's modt notorious road in terms of crash frequency.

Leah James, AAMI’s motor claims manager, pointed out, “The top crash spots in each state and territory are notoriously known for accidents. They are mostly busy roads or key thoroughfares crossing industrial areas, educational hubs, shopping districts, or central business districts."

“In all states, except Tasmania, the leading hotspot has retained its hazardous reputation for more than half of the past decade,” she adds.

The study’s primary goal, according to James, is to elevate awareness and educate Australians on safe driving practices by identifying the most common times, places, and causes of crashes. “While we've seen myriad changes and technological advancements in vehicle design since the start of our Crash Index in 1994, the Decade of Driving Report unfortunately shows that our driving behaviors have not evolved significantly,” James concludes.

The data underscores the importance of continuous education and adaptation to modern-day driving challenges, amplifying the necessity for vigilance even with advanced vehicle technologies. By addressing the highlighted hotspots and times, drivers can potentially mitigate risks and enhance road safety.

For the complete findings, more details are available in the AAMI's decade-spanning investigation published in their Decade of Driving Report.

Published:Tuesday, 24th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Why Tradies Should Check Injury Cover Wording

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has put a sharp spotlight on a point many self-employed workers can easily overlook: the difference between being unable to work and being covered under the exact wording of an insurance policy. - read more

Longer Lives, Longer Illnesses: What It Means for Cover

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New research from Zurich has put a fresh spotlight on a challenge many Australian households already feel in practical terms: living longer does not always mean living healthier. Its Chronic Care Index places Australia highly among OECD countries for overall health system performance, helped by strong healthcare capacity and relatively low mortality. But the same research points to a widening gap between lifespan and healthspan, with more people spending extended periods managing chronic illness. - read more

Volunteer H5 Training Sharpens Australia’s Biosecurity Watch

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

South Australia’s decision to train conservation volunteers in H5 bird flu detection marks a practical new phase in Australia’s biosecurity response. Rather than relying only on government officers and laboratory testing, the program aims to use experienced birdwatchers and conservation volunteers as an extra set of eyes across wetlands, coastlines and bird habitats. - read more

What the Steadfast takeover bid could mean for SMEs

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A major ownership shake-up may be coming for one of the most influential names in Australian commercial insurance distribution, after global investment firm KKR joined the consortium pursuing Steadfast Group. The proposal, valued at about $7.7 billion, remains non-binding and is still subject to due diligence and further agreement, but it is significant because Steadfast sits behind a large network of insurance brokerages and underwriting agencies used by many Australian businesses. - read more

What a Renewed Flood Pool Debate Means for Retail Cover

14 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s flood insurance debate has returned to the foreground, with fresh attention on whether the existing Cyclone Reinsurance Pool should remain narrowly focused or whether a separate approach is needed for broader flood risk. For shop owners, the issue is more than a policy argument between governments and insurers. It goes directly to whether flood-prone businesses can obtain cover at a workable price, and whether current policies respond in the way owners expect when water damage disrupts trading. - read more

Click for more Insurance News