A statewide survey has identified the most hazardous roads and intersections in Western Australia, based on responses from more than 18,000 road users.
The RAC Risky Roads survey gathered public input to determine locations perceived as unsafe, with the findings intended to support advocacy for road safety improvements.
According to the survey, over half of the participants had either been involved in or witnessed a crash or near-miss at their nominated location.
RAC WA general manager of external relations Will Golsby noted that this year’s survey received a record number of responses.
“With over 50% of nominators having been involved in or witnessed a serious crash or a near-miss at a risky road or intersection, there’s clearly urgent work that needs to be done,” he said.
The intersection of Baldivis Road and Kulija Road in Baldivis was ranked the most hazardous in the Perth metropolitan area, climbing from sixth place in the 2022 survey.
The Canning Highway, Rome Road, and Hislop Road intersection in Melville was listed as the second most dangerous, appearing in the top 10 for the first time.
Many respondents said these intersections presented challenges for turning and crossing, with some suggesting that roundabouts could improve safety.
For metropolitan roads, a section of Mitchell Freeway in West Perth was identified as the most high-risk, moving up from second place in the previous survey. The lack of safe turning and overtaking opportunities, as well as a complex road layout, were cited as key concerns.
In regional areas, the Albany Highway and South Coast Highway intersection at the Chester Pass roundabout in Albany was identified as the most hazardous for the third consecutive survey.
The intersection of Nancarrow Way and Pinjarra Road in Ravenswood followed in second place. Both locations were highlighted for their complicated layouts and limited opportunities for turning or crossing traffic.
Among regional roads, the Great Northern Highway, particularly from Pithara to Wubin and Newman to Port Hedland, was listed as the most dangerous.
Respondents raised concerns about poor road surface conditions, narrow lanes, and a lack of overtaking lanes.
RAC WA has been calling for increased investment in road safety. Recent statistics highlighted the growing urgency for road safety initiatives. Between 2019 and 2023, more than 500 lives were lost, and over 2,700 serious injuries were recorded on WA’s regional roads. Local government roads accounted for half of these incidents.
In January 2025, the WA government pledged $125 million to expand the Regional Road Safety Program if re-elected. The funding is intended to improve safety on local government-managed roads through measures such as widening sealed shoulders and installing audible edge and centre lines.
Golsby reiterated RAC WA’s intention to work with governments and road safety authorities to improve key problem areas and reduce the number of deaths on WA roads.
“We look forward to working with governments and road safety authorities to improve key problem areas and reduce the number of deaths on WA roads, which increased by 19% last year,” he said.
