RACV wants to know how safe Victorians feel on our regional roads

RACV is asking Victorians to provide feedback about how safe they feel on roads in regional Victoria as part of their My Country Road survey. The survey opens today and will run for six weeks.

The survey uses an online interactive map that shows high-speed roads with large concentrations of crashes causing death or serious injury in regional Victoria.

The map highlights roads with speed limits of 80km per hour or higher where there have been fatal or serious crashes for the five-year period between 2018 and 2023. Participants can provide feedback by clicking on one of the highlighted roads and filling out a survey. Participants are also welcome to nominate another road in regional Victoria that poses a risk to drivers.

My Country Road is also an opportunity for motorists in regional Victoria to let RACV know what they think of electric vehicles, and barriers to uptake.

RACV General Manager Automotive Services, Jackie Pedersen, explained how RACV is using the survey results to help make regional roads safer for all Victorians.

“We will share the results with all levels of government, so we can work together to improve safety outcomes for Victorians,” Ms Pedersen said.

“RACV conducted the first My Country Road survey back in 2021 and 31 regional roads were highlighted as having serious safety issues. Of these, 16 have seen infrastructure upgrades commence or committed to by government.

“In 2023 there were 174 deaths on regional Victorian roads, that is an almost 30% increase on the previous year. Given these tragic numbers, it is more important than ever that Victorians help us to make country roads safer by completing this year’s survey. 

“Once again, we want to find out what people think of the state’s most dangerous regional roads. For example, is the speed limit too high given the condition of the road? What are the potential dangers in the road design like narrow lanes, power poles or trees too close to the road? Are the roads poorly sign posted or damaged? Or are there regularly unexpected things on the road like livestock, or native animals?

“We want to gather as much data as we can to encourage the state government and local councils to make commitments that deliver safer regional roads and help save lives.”

The survey is part of RACV’s Have Your Say series to listen to Victorians and includes the RACV My Home and My Melbourne Road surveys.

Take part in the My Country Road online survey at www.racv.com.au/haveyoursay