Market Data
Revealing Western Australia’s Most Dangerous Road Locations
Western Australia’s most treacherous road hotspots have been identified, with Baldivis, Melville, West Perth, and Carlisle emerging as areas of high risk for drivers and pedestrians. The latest RAC Risky Roads survey, which collected over 18,000 nominations from concerned West Australians, has shed light on the state’s most hazardous intersections and roads. The findings highlight a pressing need for urgent action to address the safety concerns plaguing these locations.
The Top Risky Intersections: A Call for Improvement
The junction of Baldivis Road and Kulija Road in Baldivis has been named the most dangerous intersection in Western Australia. Motorists and pedestrians alike have expressed frustration over the layout, which they say provides little opportunity to turn or cross traffic safely. Similarly, the dog-leg intersection at Canning Highway, Rome Road, and Hislop Road in Melville has been criticized for its confusing design and limited visibility. Many respondents suggested that installing roundabouts at these locations could significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Other intersections, such as Armadale Road and Eighth Road in Armadale, and Anstey Road and Mandurah Road in Secret Harbour, also made the top 10 list of risky intersections. Common issues across these locations include poor traffic flow, inadequate signage, and a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The worrying trend underscores the need for safer designs and better management of high-risk areas.
Hazardous Roads: A Driver’s Nightmare
When it comes to roads, a stretch of Mitchell Freeway in West Perth has been deemed the most dangerous, with drivers citing limited opportunities to turn or cross traffic, confusing layouts, and no overtaking lanes. Archer Street in Carlisle follows closely, with concerns over its narrow width, lack of a median strip, and poor safety for pedestrians. These findings paint a concerning picture of WA’s road infrastructure, which seems to be failing to meet the needs of its users.
Other problematic roads include Guildford Road between Mt Lawley and Bayswater, Kwinana Freeway in Como, and Mason Road in Kwinana Beach. Drivers have reported issues such as poor lighting, inadequate overtaking opportunities, and high-speed limits that do not account for road conditions. These factors contribute to a heightened risk of accidents, particularly during peak hours or in low-visibility conditions.
A Call to Action for Road Safety Authorities
The RAC Risky Roads survey has once again sounded the alarm on the state of Western Australia’s roads. Will Golsby, RAC’s External Relations General Manager, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that over 50% of respondents had either been involved in or witnessed a serious crash or near-miss at one of these dangerous locations. With road deaths in WA increasing by 19% last year, the need for immediate action is clear.
Golsby has called for collaboration between governments and road safety authorities to address these hotspots and implement measures that will reduce the number of fatalities on WA roads. Whether through infrastructure upgrades, improved signage, or stricter traffic enforcement, the time to act is now. The RAC has reiterated its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure safer roads for all West Australians.
Full List of Risky Locations: A Snapshot of WA’s Road Safety Challenges
For those keen on understanding the full extent of the issue, the RAC has released a detailed list of the top 10 risky intersections and roads. On the intersections front, the top 10 includes:
- Baldivis Road & Kulija Road, Baldivis
- Canning Highway, Rome Road & Hislop Road, Melville
- Armadale Road & Eighth Road, Armadale
- Anstey Road & Mandurah Road, Secret Harbour
- Garden Street & Nicholson Road, Canning Vale/Thornlie
- Great Eastern Highway & Scott Street, Greenmount
- Clayton Street & Military Road, Bellevue/Midland
- Lewis Road & Welshpool Road, E Wattle Grove
- Marmion Avenue & Seacrest Drive, Sorrento
- Karrinyup Road & Muir Street, Innaloo
As for roads, the top 10 riskiest stretches are:
- Mitchell Freeway, West Perth
- Archer Street, Carlisle
- Guildford Road, Mt Lawley to Bayswater
- Kwinana Freeway, Como
- Mason Road, Kwinana Beach
- Hampton Road, Beaconsfield
- Rowley Road, Banjup to Hilbert
- Farrington Road, North Lake to Murdoch
- Neaves Road, Banksia Grove to Bullsbrook
- Hopeland Road, Hopeland to Nambeelup
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for WA’s Road Safety
The RAC Risky Roads survey serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Western Australia’s road network. From dangerously designed intersections to poorly maintained roads, the issues highlighted by the survey demand immediate attention. As the state grapples with a rising number of road fatalities, it is imperative that authorities take a proactive approach to addressing these concerns. By prioritizing infrastructure upgrades, improving road layouts, and enhancing safety measures, WA can work towards creating a safer and more reliable transport network for all users. The collaboration between governments, road safety experts, and the community will be crucial in turning these dangerous hotspots into safer, more accessible routes. Together, we can reduce the risks and ensure that WA’s roads become a place of safety, not sorrow.
