By Laura Michell
Bundoora’s Plenty Road has been named as Melbourne’s worst crash hot spot for the fifth year in a row.
Insurer AAMI analysed more than 350,000 motor insurance claims made across the country between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, as part if its annual AAMI Crash Index.
The report aims to shine a light on the most dangerous roads and encourage drivers to remain safe and vigilant behind the wheel.
AAMI spokesperson Anna Cartwright said nose to tail collisions were the most common type of crash along the Bundoora stretch of Plenty Road, with over half of drivers (58 per cent) crashing this way. Thursday was the most dangerous day of the week for crashes, with most accidents occurring between 9.30am and 1pm.
“Plenty Road in Bundoora is notorious for congestion and collisions, as indicated by the fact that it has been a constant fixture in Melbourne’s top 10 crash hot spots for so many years now,” Ms Cartwright said.
“This busy stretch of road has several lanes of traffic in both directions and feeds into many other major roads in Melbourne. It’s also home to multiple traffic lights, entry and exit points, two main Universities, a school and a tram line in the middle, making it an incredibly difficult road to navigate – especially when you throw in peak hour traffic congestion.
“On a positive note, analysis of our crash index data over the past five years has shown crash numbers at Plenty Road, Bundoora have steadily declined.
“We know that speed is undoubtably a key factor, and by sharing data insights with the Victorian government, we’re thrilled that the trial has resulted in a permanent lowering of the speed limit from 80km/h to 70km/h. We hope the reduction in speed will continue to reduce crashes and finally knock Plenty Road, Bundoora off the top of our hot spot list.”
Three other northern suburbs roads also made their way into the top 10.
Sydney Road at Campbellfield was named at number three on the list, while Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn came in at number four, and High Street, Epping taking 10th place.
