Melbourne’s most dangerous crash hotspot revealed as Plenty Rd, Bundoora

A deadly Bundoora road has been named the nation’s most dangerous for drivers for the eighth year in a row, but other Victorian roads are among the worst | See the full list.

A deadly road in Melbourne’s northeast has been crowned Australia’s most dangerous crash hotspot for the eighth year in a row.

New data from AAMI’s annual crash index report revealed Plenty Rd in Bundoora retained the title as the most notorious road in the nation.

The 30km road, which stretches from Preston to Whittlesea, is a major arterial link for Melburnians living in the northern suburbs.

Plenty Rd in Bundoora has been named the state’s most dangerous road for the eight year in a row. Picture: David Crosling

AAMI motor claims manager Leah James said the site was known for its congestion.

“This notorious stretch of road has a reputation for congestion and collisions, feeding into many other roads which is why it’s a repeat offender when it comes to topping AAMI’s crash hotspot list,” she said.

“Plenty Rd in Bundoora is a multi-lane road, with traffic from two major universities, a high school and tram lines.

“There is also a lot of student accommodation, catering to international students attending La Trobe University, with students making up a large proportion of drivers on Plenty Rd.”

 28-year-old man died in a crash on Plenty Rd in Bundoora in 2022. Picture: David Crosling

Robbie Hudd was killed in a single-vehicle car crash on Plenty Rd in 2022. Picture: Facebook

Springvale Rd in Glen Waverley, Maroondah Highway in Ringwood and Burwood Highway in Burwood also topped the list.

The data, analysed from more than four million motor insurance claims from 2014 to 2023, showed all danger zones were in proximity to shopping centres, education hubs and industrial precincts.

The most common types of crashes were nose-to-tail and failing to give way while the most dangerous time to drive was found to be between 1pm to 4.30pm.

Ms James said this time coincided with school pick ups.

“It’s generally a time when the roads are busy, patience is wearing thin, drivers are tired from the day and racing to either get home or to their next destination,” she said.

“This is when drivers need to have their wits about them, and be vigilant behind the wheel, to avoid those bumper-to-bumper collisions or an accident involving a child.”

Men were found to be the worst drivers, with 54 per cent involved in crashes. Picture: Brett Wortman

Men also earned the title of being the worst drivers with the report showing that 54 per cent of males were involved in crashes compared to 46 per cent of females.

Australian Road Safety Foundation founder and chair Russell White urged motorists to help drop road trauma rates after 1266 Aussies were killed last year.

“Road trauma is a growing pandemic that can no longer be ignored,” he said.

“It is a tragic problem that affects us all. It is also a problem that requires all of us to solve.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is the sum of our small individual choices that equate to significant outcomes.”