Warrnambool police say drivers, not roads, are to blame for increase in accidents

Warrnambool police are “shocked” at the number of car accidents in recent weeks, according to a post on the station’s Facebook page.

“A number of these collisions have occurred in Raglan Parade, even after our post a few weeks ago warning drivers to adhere to stop signs and traffic lights,” the post read.

“People continually try to blame the conditions of the roads, but in the majority of collisions it is the driver at fault for doing the wrong thing.  Whether that be speeding, using mobile phone, crossing double lines, running red lights ... the list goes on.”

“So, this is a gentle reminder to drivers, do the right thing!! Road safety is everyone's responsibility!!”

And no, we didn’t add those exclamation marks. They’re just really passionate about people doing the right thing!!!

told the Brolga that over the last three weeks there had been an accident every day, which was more than usual.

"We have a focus on that stretch of road — Raglan Parade from Horne Road out near the Flying Horse all the way through to Rooneys Road. Banyan Street is another collision hotspot."

What's particularly concerning to police is the nature of the accidents.

"These collisions are happening mostly in daytime, dry weather, at traffic lights," Hunter said. "Why are we having collisions at intersections with traffic lights?"

The problem extends beyond reported crashes. Hunter said there was “community frustration around people pulling out from side streets and breaching stop signs, having near misses. The collisions get reported to us, but the near misses don't as much”.

Responding to community calls for an increased police presence, Hunter said officers “can only be in so many places at once, but we certainly have a couple of operations which are trying to bring high visibility presence along Raglan Parade. Even units from outside of Warrnambool are coming across to assist”.

Ultimately though, he said the responsibility lies with drivers: "We need drivers to take care. Take care, drive attentively, watch out for other drivers. Don't just take green lights for granted — be attentive to see if anyone else is doing the wrong thing. Just slow down a little bit, take your time, and stay safe."

While some may have perceived the police message as scolding, Hunter emphasised it came from a place of genuine concern. 

"We want to reduce road trauma because the implications are far and wide and long-lasting, whether it's a serious injury collision, where recovery takes a long time and you've got a lot of people supporting that process, and if it's worse than that, if it's a fatality, then that impacts family and friends for life.”

_{Thumbnail: Facebook / Eyewatch - Warrnambool Police Service Area}