More than half of Australians believe the nation’s roads have become more dangerous in the past year, according to a survey by Budget Direct.

About 14.7% of respondents say roads are now “much more dangerous” and 37.1% say they are “somewhat” worse – marking a slight drop from survey results in 2023.  

About 39% of respondents feel there has been no change in road safety.  

“Surprisingly, 15% of drivers minimise how much time they spend behind the wheel, because they think our roads are too dangerous,” Budget Direct chief growth officer Jonathan Kerr said.  

About 71% of respondents say a car is their primary mode of transport.

Some 23% think motorbikes are the least safe form of transport, followed by bicycles (22.5%), e-mobility devices (17%) and cars (17%).  

About 48.4% of respondents are on the road daily, compared with 54.4% in 2023; 35.9% are on the road at least three times a week, up from 31.3% in 2023.

“Despite growing concerns over our road network, Australians continue to favour cars, whether through choice or necessity,” Mr Kerr said.