🚦 Melbourne’s Most Common Car Accident Hotspots (and How to Avoid Them)

Melbourne is one of Australia’s busiest and fastest-growing cities — and with increasing traffic every year, car accidents are an unfortunate daily reality.

Understanding where and why these accidents happen can help you stay alert and reduce your chances of being involved in a collision.

At Direct Claims Melbourne, we’ve analysed hundreds of local accident cases to identify the city’s top accident hotspots and how you can stay safe on the road.

1️⃣ Hoddle Street, Abbotsford

A key north–south route connecting the Eastern Freeway to Melbourne’s inner suburbs, Hoddle Street is notorious for stop-and-go traffic and rear-end collisions.

Common cause: Sudden braking during peak-hour congestion.
Safety tip: Maintain a safe following distance and stay alert for frequent stops.

2️⃣ Kings Way & St Kilda Road Intersections

These major Melbourne intersections see heavy daily traffic and frequent red-light running incidents. Many serious collisions happen when drivers rush through amber lights or attempt last-second turns.

Safety tip: Slow down when lights change, and avoid pushing through yellow signals — patience saves lives.

3️⃣ Punt Road, South Yarra

Narrow lanes, heavy congestion, and unpredictable traffic make Punt Road one of Melbourne’s most accident-prone streets.

Common cause: Aggressive lane changes and frustration during rush hour.
Safety tip: Stay patient, avoid weaving between lanes, and practice defensive driving at all times.

4️⃣ The Monash Freeway (M1)

As one of Victoria’s busiest freeways, the M1 (Monash) experiences a high number of side-swipe and tailgating collisions, especially where multiple lanes merge.

Common cause: Speeding, merging too late, and driver distraction.
Safety tip: Keep a steady speed, use indicators early, and maintain at least a 3-second gap from the vehicle ahead.

5️⃣ Sydney Road, Brunswick

Sydney Road is a high-risk area due to its mix of cars, trams, cyclists, and pedestrians. Accidents often occur at tram stops or when parked car doors open unexpectedly (“dooring”).

Safety tip: Stick to the speed limit, slow down near trams, and double-check before passing parked vehicles.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself on Melbourne Roads

The best way to reduce risk is to:

• Drive defensively and anticipate other drivers’ actions.

• Plan your routes to avoid congestion when possible.

• Stay calm and patient in heavy traffic.

However, if you do find yourself in an accident that wasn’t your fault, Direct Claims Melbourne can help.

We’ll manage your claim, repairs, and communication with insurers — and even provide a free accident replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired.

🚗 Drive Smart, Stay Protected

By understanding Melbourne’s high-risk roads and taking proactive precautions, you can help make our city’s roads safer — one trip at a time.

If you’re ever involved in a not-at-fault accident, contact Direct Claims Melbourne for fast, stress-free assistance.

👉 Call 03 8589 2281 or start your claim online today to get back on the road —
no stress, no cost, no downtime.