RACQ data reveals Gold Coast’s worst suburbs for crash claims, Southport MP Rob Molhoek speaks out

SOUTHPORT drivers are officially the worst on the Gold Coast, but is there more to the story? FIND OUT WHERE YOUR AREA RANKED

SOUTHPORT drivers are officially the worst on the Gold Coast, shocking new data shows.

Part one of Gold Coast Bulletin‘s Crash Test Dummies investigation reveals motorists in the CBD have had double the number of prangs since 2017. Robina and Helensvale are next.

CRASH TEST DUMMIES PART 2: Online midday Wednesday

But Southport MP Rob Molhoek has defended his driving mates, saying skewed catchment data and more major thoroughfares are to blame.

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“Southport has the largest police station on the Gold Coast, you have the court, you have all the offices for major insurance companies,” he said.

“Often times the stats get reported as Southport but actually they’re from other places around the Coast. Southport’s just the CBD.

Southport has several major roads running through it. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

“If you look at crime stats I’m sure it’s the same.

“The other issue with Southport is you’ve got (the Smith Street Motorway) running straight through it, Ross St, Olsen Ave, Ferry Rd, and then the Gold Coast Hwy running right through the middle.

“There’s a lot more activity on the main roads (compared to other suburbs). I think you’ll find even parts of the M1 are included in the catchment.”

Theodore MP Mark Boothman said he was not surprised to learn two of his electorate’s suburbs — Helensvale (306) and Oxenford (230) — are on the list.

MP Rob Molhoek. Picture: Jerad Williams

He said he did not believe it was the fault of drivers in the area.

“It doesn’t take much imagination to see why we have so many accidents around the area,” he said, adding he believed the suburbs would move higher without further action.

“We have cars going literally here, there and everywhere, cars coming out of car parks.

“The main problem is the infrastructure in the area. People become very impatient, because they’re stuck in queues, therefore they start taking risks because they want to get through the traffic.”

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Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said speed continued to be one of the leading causes of crashes.

“Queensland Police Service are seeing higher rates of speeding on Queensland roads, even when there were fewer cars on the road at the height of COVID-19 travel restrictions,” he said.

LNP Member for Theodore Mark Boothman. Picture: Jerad Williams

“On the Gold Coast, we’ve learned this week a quarter of all motorists passing electronic roadside speed warning devices were driving above the speed limit.”

RACQ spokeswoman Lucinda Ross urged Gold Coast drivers to take more care after seeing the “unfortunate” statistics.

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“Remember to just take your time, give way correctly, watch for traffic signals and signs and keep a safe following distance to reduce your chance of getting caught in a crash.

“If you do have a crash, make sure you remain calm and exchange all details with the other driver. Take plenty of photos and contact your insurer as soon as possible.”