THE RACV is calling on Victorians to give feedback for the My Country Road survey on regional roads, with the Northern Highway and McIvor Highway from Wallan to Bendigo listed as one of the most dangerous regional roads as part of the survey.
This comes after the RACV worked with the Australian Automobile Association to provide analysis on 19,800 kilometres of Victoria’s roads.
Through the Australian Road Assessment Program data, crash history and traffic volumes, RACV identified 52 dangerous highway sections, which included two sections of the Northern Highway from Wallan to Bendigo and from Echuca to Heathcote.
Participants in the survey can provide feedback on up to three of the identified road sections, or they can also nominate their own roads of concern.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams said feedback from past My Country Road surveys has played a critical role in identifying safety concerns and influencing government planning and investment decisions.
“Over half of Victoria’s road crashes occur on regional roads. RACV’s My Country Road survey gives everyday Victorians a direct voice on the condition and safety of roads that have too many fatalities and serious injuries,” Mr Williams said.
RACV said traffic volumes on regional roads increase significantly over holiday periods and encourages Victorians to nominate roads they feel unsafe on through RACV’s My Country Road survey.
“With more families heading away over the upcoming long weekend, we’re reminding drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and take regular breaks,” Mr Williams said.
“It’s a perfect time to keep an eye out and share your experiences and possible solutions by completing the RACV My Country Road survey.
“Regional roads can present unique hazards including potholes, narrow shoulders, changing speed zones and insufficient opportunities to overtake safely. Slowing down, driving to the conditions and avoiding fatigue are critical to keeping everyone safe.”
“This campaign provides governments with the information to prioritise limited funding based on feedback from the people who use these roads. This includes road resurfacing, shoulder widening, additional overtaking lanes and intersection improvements.
“These improvements are a positive step, but there is still more work to do to ensure regional Victorians and visitors can travel safely and confidently.
“In 2024, 64 per cent of participants told us potholes and rough road surfaces were their top safety concern – a sharp increase on previous years. This is a clear message that reinforced the need for targeted repairs and long-term ongoing road maintenance funding.”
The survey closes on Friday, July 17, and to access the survey, click on racv.com.au/haveyoursay
