Worst Victorian roads for crashes revealed
Two of Melbourne’s busiest roads are responsible for a shocking number of crashes, including 15 deaths, in just five years. The alarming figures show the Monash Freeway and Western Ring Rd are some of our worst hotspots. SEE THE FULL LIST
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The Monash Freeway and Western Ring Rd are Victoria’s most extreme danger zones, with the two roads responsible for more than a quarter of crashes on the state’s freeway network.
New statistics obtained by the Herald Sun reveal there have been more than 1300 crashes on the two roads between 2014 and 2018, resulting in 15 deaths and hundreds of serious injuries.
Crashes were more common on the Monash than any other freeway, but the Western Ring Rd was responsible for the most lost lives.
There were more accidents across the two major roads than on the busy Eastern, Tullamarine and Westgate freeways combined.
The shocking VicRoads figures reveal there are, on average, almost three serious crashes on the Monash weekly.
The alarming figures are being fuelled by a combination of high speeds and gridlock.
“Traffic congestion can lead to frustration, impatience and road rage, which are all factors that contribute to increased vehicle collisions,” AAMI head of motor claims Anna Cartwright said.
Horror crashes are also leading to thousands of calls for counselling and support by distraught witnesses, those involved in accidents and their loved ones.
Road Trauma Support Services chief executive Bernadette Nugent told how they had more than 100 calls after a young male motorcyclist died on the Monash.
“This tragic incident occurred during the peak-hour morning commute, so the freeway was very busy,” she said.
“The referrals to our counselling service spiked for that week because many of the witnesses were understandably struggling to come to terms with what they saw.
“Many witnesses and people who are first on the scene to a serious or fatal collision will experience many normal trauma responses, such as; intrusive thoughts and images of the incident, sleeplessness, horror and helplessness.”
The federal and state governments have committed $1 billion to adding lanes to the Monash and Princes freeways.
There were 746 crashes recorded on the Monash Freeway from 2014 to the end of 2018, with 212 of those resulting in serious injury and four in death. A person dies on the Western Ring Road at least once per year.
In total, there were more than 4700 serious crashes on Victorian freeways over the period.
RACV general manager of public policy Bryce Prosser urged all Victorians to stay focused and drive to the conditions.
“These statistics should be a wake-up call to all Melbourne motorists about the importance of concentrating when behind the wheel,” he said.
“No matter what the traffic conditions, or what speed you are travelling at, there is always the risk of a collision.”
A transport department spokeswoman said: “Our number one priority is safety, which is why we’re investing in technology-based solutions, so we can get more vehicles moving more efficiently.
“We’re building the North East Link and the West Gate Tunnel, which will give Victorians more options to get to their destination and increase capacity across the road network.”
It comes as at least 20 people were taken to hospital after a mini-bus and a tractor crashed at Lexton, near Ballarat, today.
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The crash, about 1.55pm, forced the closure of the Sunraysia Highway, with diversions in place into the evening.
Police said there were 21 students from Ballarat Specialist School on board, three staff members and the driver.
The students were mostly aged 16-18.
Six people were taken to the Ballarat Base Hospital by road ambulance, with one person flown by air ambulance, Ambulance Victoria confirmed.
Six others were taken to hospital by bus for observation.
A Victoria Police spokesman said the cause of the crash was not yet known.
Road Trauma Support Services Victoria offers free information and counselling to anyone impacted by a road collision on 1300 367 797 or at www.rtssv.org.au.