Morayfield Rd crashes into top three

Morayfield Rd has been named one of the worst crash hotspots in Greater Brisbane – again.

The 2022 AAMI Crash Index has the four-lane arterial sitting third in its annual rankings, the same position as last year.

Gympie Rd, Chermside came out on top, followed by Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt, both higher than their 2021 listings.

The Index was compiled from more than 350,000 motor insurance claims across the country from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

AAMI spokesperson Anna Cartwright said Morayfield Rd has been a constant in Brisbane’s top 10 crash hot spots for a number of years.

The road “intersects” with local streets through high-traffic educational and shopping precincts meaning it is busy all day.

“Unfortunately, by maintaining its position in third place again this year Morayfield is not moving in the right direction on the AAMI Crash Index,” Ms Cartwright said.

Worst time

AAMI’s data shows afternoon is the worst time for accidents (41 per cent) on Morayfield Rd. Wednesday and Saturdays are the worst day of the week for accidents (19 per cent each).

Drivers aged 35-49 are most likely to be involved in an accident (22 per cent) on Morayfield Rd and nose-to-tail is the most common type of accident (56 per cent).

“Driver distraction is a leading cause of nose to tail collisions, and to avoid them, Queenslanders need to concentrate more on what’s happening in front of them and less on multitasking,” Ms Cartwright said. 

“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. It also allows additional time to stop if the car in front suddenly brakes.” 

Gympie Rd, Chermside has a similar story, with nose-to-tail collisions the most common crashes (27 per cent) and most accidents occurring in the day from 1-4.30pm.

Logan Rd, Mount Gravatt, and Ipswich Rd, Annerley, ranked at four, were “familiar faces” on the list, but have been joined by newcomers Gympie Rd, Kedron, Browns Plains Rd at Browns Plains, Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove and Beaudesert Rd, Calamvale.

Worst day

In Queensland, Fridays were the worst day for accidents (16 per cent), while mornings proved the most common time with almost one third (28 per cent) between 9.30am–1pm.

Males, and Queenslanders aged 35–49 years were the most likely to be involved in an accident, according to AAMI data.

“Regardless of the day or time we urge Queenslanders to maintain focus on the task at hand, follow the speed limit and abide by all road rules,” Ms Cartwright said.

“Most risks on the road can be mitigated if people pay attention and drive to the conditions.” 

AAMI has been tackling road safety head-on by revealing where accidents most commonly occur across Australia since 1994.

“All it takes is a split second of not having your eyes on the road, for you to miss one Stop or Give Way sign or for you to divert your attention to something other than the road ahead, for things to go wrong,” Ms Cartwright said.

“We’re urging all Queenslanders, and Australians to take care behind the wheel and help us change the Crash Index.”