One in 10 Australians (10%) had a car accident in 2021, double the rate in the UK. With people heading off for their Easter holidays, dash cam manufacturer Nextbase has warned that the likelihood of being in a car accident has increased in metropolitan cities by up to 12% compared to regional areas.
Nextbase's latest survey, conducted by YouGov, found that 14% of Melbourne and Brisbane drivers had a car accident in 2021, much higher than drivers in Victoria (7%) and Queensland (4%). Even though Melbourne experienced extended lockdown periods in 2021, the rate of car accidents in the city was higher than in other areas, with Sydney seeing one in 10 drivers who had an accident in the past 12 months, in line with the national average.
Meanwhile, during the same year, Australian Associated Motor Insurers Limited's (AAMI) crash index found Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, and Perth as the top car crash hotspots from July 01, 2020, to June 30, 2021. During the same period, Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart held onto their dubious crowns, while Darwin made its debut in the rankings.
Nextbase is urging Australians to become more cautious on the road. Dash cams may also help drivers further, noting that 67% of Nextbase's survey participants said they will feel more comfortable with a dash cam recording in their cars.
The survey also found that 71% of the respondents will feel encouraged to purchase the product if they get a discount on their car insurance, while 66% said having a dash cam decreases the likelihood of dangerous or reckless driving.
“Safety on the road needs to be our priority when driving. It's concerning how high the accident rate was in 2021. I encourage all drivers to be mindful and aware on the roads, not only to keep [themselves] safe, but [also] to keep other road users safe. As traffic has returned to high levels in our cities again, I urge drivers to remain calm and patient when behind the wheel. Driving with a dash cam influences human behaviour and actions on the road for the better because it encourages caution and accountability,” said Nextbase ambassador and Supercar driver David Reynolds.
Ben Sinica, head of territory for Australia & New Zealand at Nextbase, added: “Whether you hit the road for Australia's ultimate road trip along the Great Ocean Road or are just in your normal travels, please stay safe on the road this Easter. With a dash cam, drivers always have a reliable witness on board, providing an extra measure of safety.”
