RACV is opening up a survey to all Victorians to report how safe they feel on regional roads across the state as a part of its ‘My Country Road’ initiative.
The survey opened on Tuesday, March 26 and will be open for six weeks. Responders will be able to view an online interactive map which shows high-speed roads with a greater concentration of crashes or other road incidents.
If you have feedback to give on these roads, RACV encourages you to do so. You can also nominate other roads not currently highlighted on the map if you believe they are dangerous to drivers.
The survey also provides the opportunity to give feedback on Victoria’s uptake in electric vehicles.
RACV general manager of automotive services Jackie Pedersen says the survey results will be used to greatly increase the safety of Victorian roads for all motorists.
“We will share the results with all levels of government, so we can work together to improve safety outcomes for Victorians,” she says.
“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 per cent 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.”
You can access the survey on the RACV website here.