AANT survey reveals the Northern Territory’s riskiest roads: SEE THE FULL LIST
The Territory’s riskiest roads have been named. And we can reveal why they’re so dangerous. SEE THE FULL LIST.
Northern Territory
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NT POLICE has warned drivers to stay vigilant after the Automobile Association of the NT revealed the riskiest roads in the Territory.
An expected inclusion on the list was the Stuart Hwy, with other major highways also featuring.
“In Central Australia, motorists may face additional challenges such as distance, long stretches of unsealed roads, flash flooding, wildlife and wandering stock,” an NT Police spokeswoman said.
“Every road presents its challenges, be it pedestrian traffic, corrugations or cattle.
“The onus is on the driver to always be aware of their surroundings, follow the road rules and to expect the unexpected.”
AANT has released the findings of its first ever Risky Roads survey along with plenty of data on NT roads.
Almost 400 people were surveyed in October 2021 and the results have been collated, assessed and now released to the public.
The survey had 377 respondents and covered all Territory locations and included feedback from motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and those using mobility devices.
These are the NT’s riskiest roads:
STUART HIGHWAY
At least 38 crashes occurred on the Stuart Hwy between January 1, 2016 and December 21, 2020, with 48 per cent of all crashes being a result of driver negligence.
With 12 casualty crashes overall, the Stuart Hwy is one of the most dangerous roads in outback Australia.
Those who participated in AANT’s 2022 Risky Roads survey mostly cited hazardous roadside objects, crumbling roadside edges and an inappropriate speed limit as the purpose for the road’s dangerous reputation.
According to the NT Infrastructure Plan 2021, upgrades worth more than $160m are planned for the Stuart Hwy.
SANDOVER HIGHWAY
The Sandover has a measly estimated average daily traffic number of just 10. But it still features on our riskiest roads list.
Figure reveal that 22 crashes occurred on the Sandover Highway between January 1, 2016 and December 21, 2020 with one involving a fatality.
The AANT survey revealed that 68 per cent of the accidents involved an overturned vehicle.
A 47-year-old male died in May this year on the Sandover Hwy and three others were injured in a single car crash on the road.
According to NT Police, the car rolled over just west of the Central Australian community of Ampilatwatja, about 350km northeast of Alice Springs.
Those who participated in AANT’s 2022 Risky Roads survey mostly cited rough, unsealed, slippery or loose surfaces, crumbling road edges and potholes, cracking or rutting as the primary concerns on the lengthy outback road.
TABLELANDS HIGHWAY
Six crashes were reported on the Tablelands Highway between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 with 67 per cent of accidents involving a vehicle running off the road, according to AANT’s 2022 Risky Roads Survey Results.
Those who participated in AANT’s 2022 Risky Roads survey mostly cited potholes, cracks or rutting as the primary concern for the 375km road.
According to the NT Infrastructure Plan 2021, Upgrading of the Bridge along Tablelands Highway was planned for 2021-22 at an estimated cost of $6m.
PLENTY HIGHWAY
The AANT’s 2022 Risky Roads Survey results revealed 13 crashes occurred on the Plenty Highway between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 with 62 per cent of the crashes considered involving rollovers.
Those who participated in the survey mostly cited a rough, unsealed, slippery or loose surface as the primary issues encountered on the highway.
According to the NT Infrastructure Plan 2021, upgrades to the Plenty Highway were planned at an estimated cost of $27m during 2021/22 but there are no further updates.
VICTORIA HIGHWAY
A woman died in a horror late night incident after being struck by a vehicle on Victoria Highway, 40km east of Timber Creek in January this year.
NT Police revealed at the time that the woman was from the local area and was with a group when their car broke down on a remote section of the Victoria Highway at Timber Creek.
While the group was waiting for help the young woman was struck by a passing vehicle.
The AANT’s 2022 Risky Roads Survey revealed that 26 crashes occurred between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 on the highway, with 31 per cent of the accidents being rear enders.
BUNTINE HIGHWAY
Less than 900 vehicles drove the Buntine Highway in 2020, but it was still considered one of the Territory’s riskiest roads.
Those who participated in AANT’s 2022 Risky Roads survey mostly cited a narrow road, lane or bridge as primary issues for the 581km road.
The survey results revealed 37 crashes occurred between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020.
Upgrading works were due to start on the Buntine Hwy in 2019, but as of early 2022, this project is still in the Planning and Consultation phase according to an update on the website in May 2021.
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