RACV has unveiled the findings from its My Country Road survey, shedding light on the state of regional roads in Victoria. Over 7,000 Victorians participated, providing critical insights into road safety concerns.
The survey reveals that potholes and poor road conditions top the list of issues, with a staggering 64% of respondents identifying these as the primary safety concern, a significant increase from 46% in 2021. Potholes pose a major risk as drivers often swerve to avoid them, potentially losing control or veering into oncoming traffic.
Several roads were frequently mentioned for safety concerns, with the Melba Highway from Coldstream to Yea receiving the highest number of responses. Other notable mentions include Tylden-Woodend Road, Kilmore Road, and the Goulburn Valley Highway.
The intersection of the Midland Highway and Howard Street in Epsom, north of Bendigo, was singled out as the most dangerous in regional Victoria. Additionally, 14% of participants supported implementing lower speed limits to enhance safety, with this figure rising to 56% for the top 12 worst roads.
James Williams, RACV’s Head of Policy, highlighted the importance of these findings. “The data clearly shows that the condition of our regional roads is a significant safety issue for Victorians. Over 7,000 participants have shared their concerns, with a focus on potholes and poor road conditions,” said Williams.
He noted that the feedback underscores the necessity for governmental action to improve road surfaces. “Sixty per cent of survey participants believe that improving road surfaces should be the top priority. This year, concerns about poor road conditions have more than doubled compared to dangerous driver behaviour.”
The survey’s interactive map pinpointed high-speed roads with frequent serious crashes between 2018 and 2023. Participants used this map to highlight risky roads and provide feedback, identifying areas that require urgent attention.
The survey also gathered opinions on electric vehicles (EVs), revealing that 36% of participants have considered purchasing an EV, while 7% currently own one. High costs and limited battery range were cited as the main barriers to EV adoption. Participants expressed a need for more charging stations at service points.
The response rate for the 2024 survey surged by over 75% from the 4,000 responses in 2021. The My Country Road initiative, part of the Have Your Say series, continues to empower Victorians to voice their concerns and advocate for safer regional roads.
The full results of the My Country Road survey are available at racv.com.au/haveyoursay
Further Information
Roads receiving the most responses include:
- Melba Hwy, Coldstream to Yea (B300)
- Tylden-Woodend Road, Woodend to Tylden (C317)
- Kilmore Road, Monegeetta to Gisborne (C708)
- Goulburn Valley Hwy, Nagambie to Shepparton (A39)
- Princes Hwy, Warrnambool to Portland (A1)
Top safety issues identified:
- 64% – Potholes/road condition
- 32% – Dangerous driver behaviours
- 29% – Narrow lanes/road
- 26% – Intersection safety issues
- 24% – Limited overtaking opportunities
Proposed safety solutions:
- 60% – Improve road surfaces
- 23% – Wider road shoulders
- 15% – Wider lanes
- 14% – Lower speed limits
- 13% – Clear obstructions
- 12% – Intersection safety improvements
Statewide statistics indicate a strong call for reduced speed limits on the most dangerous roads and highlight areas with high concentrations of serious crashes. The Northern Region had the highest response rate, followed by the Southwestern Region.
Top roads by region:
- Southwest: Princes Hwy (Warrnambool to Portland), Princes Hwy (Colac to Stonyford), Murradoc Road (Drysdale to St Leonards)
- Western: Western Hwy (Trawalla to Beaufort), Bacchus Marsh Road (Balliang to Lara), Midland Hwy/Howard Street intersection (Epsom)
- Northern: Melba Hwy (Coldstream to Yea), Tylden-Woodend Road (Woodend to Tylden), Kilmore Road (Monegeetta to Gisborne)
- Eastern: Princes Hwy (Stratford to Bairnsdale), Great Alpine Road (Bairnsdale to Wangaratta), Murray Valley Hwy (Cobram to Rutherglen)
- Southeastern: Bass Hwy (Jam Jerrup to Leongatha), Phillip Island Road, Boneo Road (Mornington Peninsula)
The findings from the survey will be used to push for governmental and local council actions to enhance the safety of regional roads, ensuring that the concerns of Victorians are addressed.
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