Vote for the region’s worst road

SOME of the roads Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast motorists rely on every day have been named among Victoria’s most dangerous, according to a new statewide safety assessment.

Three sections of the Great Ocean Road, including the busy stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay, have been included on the RACV’s list of 52 high-risk regional road sections, alongside parts of the Midland Highway and Princes Highway West.

The roads were identified through an analysis of almost 20,000km of regional roads by the RACV and the Australian Automobile Association using crash history, traffic volumes and road safety data.

The RACV is now asking Victorians to have their say through its My Country Road survey and share their thoughts on the state’s most dangerous regional roads.

RACV head of policy James Williams said community feedback played an important role in 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,” Williams said.

Participants can provide feedback on the roads identified by the RACV or nominate other regional roads they believe need attention. This may include potholes, changing speed zones or narrow shoulders.

Williams said the information gathered would help guide future investment in road safety improvements. Previous campaigns have helped influence development, with 20 of the roads identified in the 2024 campaign receiving improvements or upgrades.

“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,” Williams said. “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.”

The RACV advocates for existing major roads to have upgrades to at least a 3-star safety rating. The survey closes on Friday 17 July. Head to racv.research.net/r/My-Country-Road-2026