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 steadier insurer results still call for a cover review

08 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

APRA’s latest general insurance data suggests the Australian insurance sector is operating on a steadier footing, with industry results supported by firmer underwriting discipline, investment returns and ongoing attention to capital strength. For consultants, that is broadly positive news: a healthier insurance market can help maintain capacity and give buyers more room to discuss cover options at renewal. - read more

Falls From Height Are Back in Focus for Construction Risk

08 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Renewed regulatory and industry attention on falls from height is a timely warning for Australian builders, subcontractors and project managers. While falls are usually discussed as a work health and safety issue first, they also sit squarely inside the insurance conversation because a serious incident can trigger workers compensation claims, public liability exposure, contractual disputes, investigation costs and reputational damage. - read more

Why Strong Insurer Results May Not Ease Freelance Premiums

08 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent general insurance results point to a sector that is in better financial shape than it was during the most intense period of claims inflation, severe weather losses and investment market volatility. Industry reporting on APRA data indicates that premium increases, stronger investment returns and more disciplined underwriting have helped Australian insurers rebuild margins, even as natural hazard risk and repair costs remain persistent pressure points. - read more

What New Safety Guidance Means for Personal Trainers

08 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent fitness sector guidance has again put safe service delivery in the spotlight for personal trainers, particularly as more Australians mix gym-based sessions with outdoor training, small-group classes, online coaching and higher-intensity programmes. The message for exercise professionals is practical rather than alarmist: when client needs are more varied, the systems behind each session matter just as much as the workout itself. - read more

New Operational Risk Expectations Put Insurer Reliability in Focus

08 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori

APRA’s operational risk standard, CPS 230, has shifted from a regulatory project into a practical benchmark for banks, insurers and superannuation trustees. For insurance customers, the change is not just about compliance language. It goes to whether an insurer can keep essential services running when technology fails, a supplier breaks down, a cyber incident occurs or a major weather event drives a surge in claims. - read more

Click for more Insurance News