Australia is prioritizing the safety of its roads and is making the safety ratings of Australia’s busiest roads publicly available. Recently gathered information indicates that several major highways and intersections remain dangerous and this is the case even after the government has implemented new traffic regulations and increased fines. These risks cannot be ignored if Australia is to meet its target of improving road safety and reducing accidents and fatalities across the country.
New Safety Rating System
In 2025, Australia began using a star rating system to assess the safety features of roads, their crash history, and the potential for serious accidents. The aim is for 80% of all driving to occur on roads with a minimum three-star rating by 2030. These ratings enable drivers and policymakers to prioritize high-risk areas more effectively.
Stricter Traffic Oversight
The latest analytics indicate that road fatalities increased by 1.5% from April 2025, totaling 1,196. Consequently, officials have chosen to implement harsher penalties and stricter regulations. These regulations focus on endangering passengers and the drivers themselves, such as speeding, using the phone, and ignoring emergency vehicles. Importantly, any driver going 45km/h over the limit will receive a $1,000 fine and even more demerit points and will risk losing their license. This is supported by the $223 million road safety crime prevention initiative for 2025, which includes the use of AI enabled enforcement cameras to capture real time violations.
Riskiest Roads In The Country
The most “risky roads“ in the country have been identified through safety audits. In metropolitan Western Australia, Mitchell Freeway (West Perth) and Archer Street (Carlisle) are identified as dangerous roads. In the regions, the Great Northern Highway and Great Eastern Highway are the most troublesome roads. The focus of the surveys was also on high risk intersections such as Baldivis Road & Kulija Road and Albany Highway & South Coast Highway (Chester Pass Roundabout). These results emphasize crucial enforcement and upgrades on identified hot spots.
The highest percentage of fatal crashes occur at 100 km/h zones (27.5%) but we also see an increase at 80-90 km/h. Most road fatalities continue being single-vehicle crashes, showing that even lower-traffic conditions continue to present serious risks.
Key Data: Fatalities and Risk Factors
| Indicator | 2025 Value |
|---|---|
| Road deaths (12 months) | 1,196 |
| Main cause: Speeding | 345 deaths |
| Dangerous roads (WA Eg.) | Mitchell Fwy |
| Highest new fine | $1,000 |
Public Concerns
While supporters appreciate the focus on hazardous roads, some drivers feel the punishments are disproportionate, especially in rural or open areas. Nonetheless, most road safety proponents argue that strong deterrents and clear ratings will improve lifesaving driving behavior and access road improvements.
Data-driven improvements and future actions
The new safety ratings give authorities the ability to target upgrades focused on more visible improvements like clear regulatory signs and road lighting, resurfacing roads, and other improvements like separate lanes for road vulnerable road users. Cross-referencing public input and government star ratings with crash data allows investment where it is most needed, aligned with the aim of safer roads for all Australians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new road safety rating system?
Roads are rated 1 to 5 stars to grade the level of the expected severe crash and guide upgrades needed.
What penalties apply under the 2025 road rules?
Speeding more than 45km/h over the limit results in a fine of $1,000, demerit points, and possible suspension of license.
Which roads in Australia currently have the highest risk levels?
For instance, these include the Mitchell Freeway and the Great Northern Highway, along with particular regional road crossings in Western Australia.
