AAMI reveals worst parts of Adelaide for road crashes
THE numbers have been crunched like a plastic bumper bar and the worst spots in Adelaide for prangs have been revealed.
NORTH Tce in the city is the most dangerous stretch of road for prangs, according to data on Adelaide’s crash hot spots compiled by a leading insurer.
Traffic congestion and changes to driving conditions and speeds due to construction along the major city thoroughfare have contributed to it recording the highest number of crashes across Adelaide, according to AAMI.
West Tce was the second worst spot for prangs in Adelaide, according to AAMI claims data for the past 12 months.
Crash trouble spots, however, aren’t limited to the city. The top 15 streets for collision claims are spread across the suburbs and even include a shopping centre car park.
AAMI spokesman Jake Krausmann said the worst areas for crashes were “busy central areas in Adelaide’’.
“North Tce runs alongside a busway, and past busy shopping centres and business complexes, which means there are a number of vehicles frequently entering and exiting the roads,’’ he said
“Nearby construction works are also causing a number of changed travel conditions for the area, including lane closures, pedestrian crossings and new speed limits.”
Mr Krausmann said higher speed limits on some of the stretches of road connecting the city to suburban areas “could also be contributing factors’’.
“We strongly encourage all drivers to be mindful of safe driving behaviours when travelling on our roads, especially when they find themselves in one of these accident-prone areas,’’ he said.
“Drivers should always ensure they leave enough room between them and the car in front, avoid distractive activities like mobile phone usage, and keep to the speed limit.”
Despite the sound advice, the AAMI crash index survey of more than 4000 motorists found a quarter admitted to illegally using a mobile phone while driving.
Young female drivers were the worst when it came to texting while driving, with 46 per cent of those aged 18-24 confessing to taking part in the dangerous practice.
In comparison, 34 per cent of male drivers of the same age admitted to texting illegally while behind the wheel.
Motor Accident Commission spokeswoman Megan Cree warned drivers that taking their “eyes off the road to use a mobile phone increases the risk of being involved in a crash by at least four times’’.
“At 60km/h, just three seconds looking at your phone, rather than the road, means you’ve travelled 50m blind,’’ she said.
Latest MAC figures show distraction and inattention contributed to more than 35 per cent of fatal crashes and almost 50 per cent of serious injuries last year.