Insurer AAMI finds country roads most dangerous
New research from AAMI shows driver attitudes to country roads as “complacent”According to car insurance provider AAMI's 2011 crash index, 20 per cent of Australian drivers think it’s acceptable to speed in the country because they “know the roads”.
The national insurer says the findings are of particular concern when its research shows a higher percentage of fatalities occurring on rural roads. AAMI attributes one-third of fatal crashes in country areas to speed, saying only 40 per cent of respondents drove under the speed limit when outside of the metropolitan area.
“It is always dangerous to exceed the speed limit, but there are times when it is equally dangerous to be driving at the speed limit,” suggested AAMI’s corporate affairs manager, Reuben Aitchison. “You should always drive to the conditions, taking into account the weather, the state of the roads and whether you are unfamiliar with the area.”
Aitchison said the findings show drivers are lulled into a false sense of security when driving in country areas as they are not prepared for unexpected hazards.
“Beyond the city limits there is often no warning for dangers such as wildlife, damaged roads, fallen trees and blind curves,” explained Aitchison. “On rural roads unexpected hazards can appear quickly and with tragic consequences. In fact, that’s where 60 per cent of fatal accidents occur, and more than two-thirds of these involve a single vehicle.”
As well as staying alert, drivers were also cautioned that the inherent risk of isolation poses a specific threat if an accident occurs. Drivers are urged to remember that should the worst happen, the wait for medical assistance could prove dire.
“Drivers injured on regional roads often have to wait longer for paramedic and hospital intervention, and critical injuries are therefore left untreated longer,” said National Trauma Research Institute, Professor Russell Gruen. “Drivers who spend time on regional roads should avoid becoming a statistic by staying alert, being sensible about speed, expecting the unexpected and, of course, avoiding alcohol and drugs.”
- Exercise caution over crests and blind corners
- Limit your distractions and stay alert
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Take a break every two hours
- Share the driving if you can
- Animal collisions are most likely at dusk and dawn
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