Worst crash black spots in Tasmania and most dangerous time to drive

Tasmania’s most dangerous road has been revealed alongside the most common days when drivers are most likely to have a crash during the week.

Exclusive: Major arterial roads that intersect with local streets are proving accident hot spots for Tasmanian drivers, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays the worst days for being on the roads.

Argyle St is officially Hobart’s most dangerous road, according to the latest analysis of accident insurance claims for the city.

The AAMI crash index, which analysed more than 350,000 accident claims from around Australia, found Argyle St had displaced Sandy Bay Rd at Sandy Bay as the city’s number one black spot. Macquarie Street and the Booker Highway have also passed Sandy Bay Rd for accidents in the 12 months to June 30 this year.

Spokesman for AAMI, Paul Sofronoff, said congestion on the city’s main arterial roads during peak periods were “a real recipe for disaster”.

“When the roads are busy and congested — like Argyle St so often is — it is crucial that drivers pay attention and follow the road rules.”

Tuesdays and Wednesdays were the worst time of the week for accidents on the street, while the morning was the most dangerous time of the day.

The insurer’s analysis included the pandemic lockdown, when the state’s roads became less busy.

Emergency workers attend a two vehicle crash on Sandy Bay Road. Picture: Luke Bowden

The data shows a noticeable dip in claims at the height of the national lockdown in April, but crash figures quickly returned to pre-normal levels as restrictions lifted in most states during May. Victoria’s numbers remained low as lockdown continued.

That data correlates with the national road toll, which in April was down by close to 25 per cent on the same month last year. The toll was also down 20 per cent in May, but 12 per cent higher in October.

In Tasmania, though, road deaths are up by almost 28 per cent in the first 10 months of this year.

As Australia has reopened, many people are still working from home so traffic has been lighter, but Mr Sofronoff said accidents had not dropped accordingly.

“With many of us still out of our ‘normal’ routines — working from home more and driving less, it’s easy to be lulled into a false sense of security — that because there’s less cars on the road we’re safer. But even a short trip to the shops can put us at risk of a crash if we’re not paying attention,” Mr Sofronoff told News Corp Australia.

The data shows that nationally, Friday afternoon peak hour is the most dangerous time to be on the road.

“It’s the end of the week so people are often a bit tired and over it and focusing on the weekend,” he said

Congestion added to the danger, as more drivers were tempted to check messages when the traffic was moving slowly.

“We see that a majority of the hot spots identified are generally busy major arterial roads that intersect with local streets. When you combine this with heavy traffic and frequent stopping, it is a perfect recipe for vehicle collisions,” Mr Sofronoff said.

Drivers needed to concentrate more in congested areas, rather than attempting to multi-task or becoming frustrated with other motorists.

“Tailgating is another behaviour that can lead to nose to tail collisions — especially during peak hour traffic. Maintaining a good distance between you and the car in front is one of the most effective ways of keeping yourself and others safe and allows additional time to stop if the car in front suddenly brakes.”

Some drivers were still not driving to the conditions in poor weather and congestion and this added to the risks for all motorists.

MORE NEWS

Grant Denyer’s plea as Aussies gear up for road trips

Tasmanians still driving Takata death traps

Best unis ranked: Which will get Tassie students a job