AAMI reveals worst parts for Adelaide for road crashes

Forget Hump Day - motorists driving along Adelaide’s most dangerous stretch of roads are more likely to have a crash on one surprising day. See the full list.

Forget Hump Day - motorists driving along Adelaide’s most dangerous stretch of roads are more likely to have a crash on Tuesday mornings or afternoons.

South Road at Edwardstown is officially the city’s most dangerous stretch of road, according to accident insurance claims data from AAMI.

Insurance giant AAMI analysed data from more than 360,000 accident claims in the 12 months to June 30, which included the pandemic lockdown.

Marion Rd at Marion was the next most dangerous road in Adelaide, followed by Main North Rd, Elizabeth.

A three car crash at the intersection on South road. Picture Mark Brake

Main North Road was one of seven new entrants to Adelaide’s top 10 black spots, along with Anzac Highway in Adelaide, North East Road, Holden Hill; North Terrace, Adelaide and Port Road, Hindmarsh.

Rounding out the top 10 were Brighton Road, Brighton; West Terrace, Adelaide and Gouger street, Adelaide.

Nose-to-tail crashes remain the most common on Main Road, while Tuesday mornings between 9.30am and 1pm and afternoons between 1pm and 4.30pm are dangerous times for motorists.

AAMI Head of Motor Claims Anna Cartwright said increased infrastructure work around Edwardstown has created more traffic congestion.

“South Road becomes heavily congested during the peak hours, and the growth in the suburbs it passes through means this road is becoming busier and busier,” she said.

“There are also some ongoing major roadworks and upgrades going on along South Road, which will improve flow once completed, but until then are causing heavy congestion and delays.

The crashes are happening on a certain surprising day.Picture Mark Brake

Inattention and peak-hour frustrations were also “a real recipe for disaster”.

“Motorists need to pay full attention and adhere to the basics like maintaining a safe distance behind the car in front and always being aware of what is happening around you,” Ms Cartwright said.

“All it takes is for you to take your eyes off the road for a split second for things to go wrong.

“With predictions Adelaide will continue to grow over the next 10 years, we’ll see even more vehicles on our roads, and thicker congestion within the city and surrounds, which could be a recipe for increased crashes.”

National statistics show that road deaths have increased by more than 5 per cent in this year, with the toll sitting at 1,142 deaths – an increase of 55.

In September, the national road toll was 84 deaths, down by the average of 94 deaths for the same month.

Originally published as AAMI reveals worst parts for Adelaide for road crashes