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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

BizCover and Zurich Collaborate to Enhance Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian SMEs

05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), BizCover has announced the addition of Zurich's Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance product to its online platform, effective from 3 March 2026. This collaboration aims to provide SMEs with enhanced access to comprehensive PI coverage, addressing a critical need in the business community. - read more

Insurance Council of Australia Challenges Proposed Use of PI Insurance for Compensation Scheme

05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently voiced strong opposition to proposals suggesting the use of professional indemnity (PI) insurance as a funding mechanism for the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR). This stance was articulated in a submission to a Treasury consultation, where the ICA emphasized that PI insurance is not designed to serve as a consumer protection tool. - read more

ABC Insurance Faces Legal Setback in Professional Indemnity Insurance Dispute

05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

In a recent legal development, ABC Insurance has been ordered by the New South Wales Court of Appeal to pay the legal costs incurred by the Law Society of NSW in a dispute over professional indemnity insurance (PII) for solicitors. This ruling marks a significant setback for ABC Insurance in its efforts to challenge the existing PII framework for legal practitioners in the state. - read more

CHU Unveils Enhanced Residential Strata Insurance Policy

05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has launched a new residential strata insurance policy designed to better support property owners and strata communities. This initiative reflects CHU's commitment to delivering customer-focused solutions that simplify insurance processes and enhance community resilience. - read more

ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria

05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that poor governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for the one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties. In a submission to the Expert Panel Review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006, the ICA emphasised that building defects are costing Australians an estimated $1. - read more

Click for more Insurance News