New data reveals most dangerous time on Aussie roads
Shocking new data has revealed the most dangerous time of day to be on the road and which day of the week is the worst for car accidents.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
School pick-up time is the most dangerous time to be on the road, with new data showing more than a quarter of crashes happen in the afternoon.
An AAMI analysis of more than 340,000 insurance claims across the country, made in the last financial year, reveals accident numbers spike between 1.30pm and 4pm.
About 27 per cent of crashes were between these times.
The data also showed the likelihood of a crash increases as the week goes on and Friday was the worst day for accidents followed by Thursday and Wednesday.
AAMI’s head of motor and property claims Paul Sofronoff said the statistics were a clear warning as students head back to school this week.
“It’s frightening that so many road accidents are happening when children, our most vulnerable and inexperienced road users, are crossing roads in large numbers and congregating near bus stops,” he said.
“Our research suggests that too many drivers are flouting road rules and are oblivious to the dangers of speeding and driving distracted around schools, putting young lives at risk.
“Everyone acknowledge that it's a risky space around schools as drop offs and pick ups happen.
“Ideally you want people avoiding school zones if they can and everyone making sure they avoid any distractions while driving.”
Australian Road Safety Foundation chief executive Russell White said further research found more than half of Australian parents sped, used their phone or were distracted while their kids were in the car.
“These statistics highlight a casual attitude towards risky driving behaviours, and surprisingly more so among parents,” he said.
“Sadly, we know that 1 in 2 Australians have been affected by road trauma, having either lost a loved one or known someone who has suffered permanent injury from a road crash.
“People don’t realise that speeding, even a few kilometres over the limit in a school zone can be the difference between life and death.
MORE NEWS:
MASSIVE FINES TO COME FOR TEXTING DRIVERS
WHY MORE LIVES ARE BEING LOST ON OUR ROADS
SIMPLE REASON BEHIND MOUNTING ROAD CARNAGE
Mr White said the spike in accidents could also be linked to combination of stress and peak hour traffic.
“There are underlying human factors we tend not to talk about,” he said.
“You might not be as switched as you think you are. Give yourself a buffer between you and other vehicles and look as far down the road as you can.”