New research has put a spotlight on the most common ways Australians have crashed their cars in 2026.
Fresh data released by NRMA Insurance ahead of National Road Safety Week shows Australians have already lodged more than 69,000 crash-related claims in 2026.
The most common causes of road incidents nationwide, according to the data are:
+ Rear-end crashes
+ Failing to give way
+ Reversing mishaps
+ Collisions with stationary objects and
+ Single-vehicle accidents
According to official data, 443 people have died on Australia’s roads in 2026, that’s up five per cent over the same period last year.
Head of the NRMA Insurance Research Centre Shawn Ticehurst said many crashes could be prevented if drivers stopped switching off smart safety technology in their cars.
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“The safety benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are well established globally,” he said.
“However, 60 per cent of Australian drivers tell us they are actively turning off driver-assist safety features in their cars, meaning those people are missing out on realising the safety benefits — and that’s a major concern.”
Insurance Australia Group, which owns NRMA Insurance, plans to release further findings from its ADAS research later this year.
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FAMILIARITY LEADS TO ACCIDENTS
The research also aligns with broader road-safety data collected over the years, which shows that drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes on familiar roads close to home.
Experts say motorists can become too comfortable behind the wheel in areas they drive regularly, leading to lapses in concentration and more aggressive driving habits.
Historical road data has also found the most dangerous times to be on the road are between 3pm and 4pm, when fading sunlight and fatigue can set in.
But there is a major concern about animal-related crashes, which ranked sixth on NRMA’s list of the most common collisions. Accidents involving animals are increasing.
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Last year alone, NRMA received more than 15,000 animal collision claims, marking a 21 per cent increase since 2024.
Most claims came from regional and rural roads, with kangaroos the animal most commonly involved in crashes.
NRMA Insurance Executive Manager of Claims Nick Kirkovski warned drivers need to stay alert during periods when wildlife is most active.
“Animal encounters on Australian roads increase through autumn and winter as the days become shorter and wildlife activity peaks at dusk, dawn and night,” he said.
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“Wildlife can appear on the road with little warning, which is why it’s so important for drivers to stay alert, particularly when travelling long distances in regional areas.”
Drivers are being urged not to get behind the wheel tired, to slow down in signposted wildlife zones and to brake steadily rather than swerve aggressively if an animal appears on the road.
Motorists are also reminded to check on an animal’s welfare and contact local wildlife rescue services.
