A new study has revealed the most dangerous locations for pedestrian crashes in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, and Tennant Creek, after analysing 10 years of data.

The study, by the Menzies School of Health Research, included recommendations to improve pedestrian safety across the NT, by implementing targeted improvements at recognised crash hotspots, such as enhancing lighting and visibility, lowering speed limits, and strengthening support for harm reduction services.

More than 700 pedestrian crash sites involving 84 fatalities were reviewed in the study, which noted more than 20 per cent of incidents were hit-and-runs and 25 per cent led to fatalities.

Key factors affecting crash severity included speed limits and low visibility, particularly at dawn and dusk and in poorly lit areas. Additionally, most accidents occurred under light traffic and clear weather conditions on well-paved roads, while fatalities were more common on roads with speed limits of 70 km/h or higher, the study found.

The presence of alcohol and drugs significantly increased the risk of severe outcomes in these accidents.

“What this study shows is that there are some clear, practical opportunities to reduce the risk of a pedestrian crash ending in a fatality – like improving lighting on roads and reducing speed limits in higher-risk areas,” said Menzies School of Health Research and Drug Policy Modelling Program, University of New South Wales researcher and lead author of the study, Dr Sarah Clifford.

Key sites identified in the report include sections of the Stuart Highway in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs.

Specific problematic locations in Darwin included sections of Progress Drive, roads around Casuarina and Palmerston shopping centres, sections of Tower Drive/Bagot Road, roads around the Darwin CBD and the intersection of Vanderlin Drive and Leanyer Drive.

Katherine’s hotspot was identified as the intersection of Maluka Road and Acacia Drive, while Alice Springs saw issues on Gregory Terrace, Stott Terrace and Gap Road.

To enhance safety, the study recommended road upgrades and public health initiatives, such as courtesy buses.

“All Territorians deserve to be safe on the roads, no matter how they get around. Reducing speed limits in areas where lots of people walk costs absolutely nothing and keeps our Territorian families safer,” said Menzies Alcohol and Other Drug Program head and study co-author Dr Cassandra Wright.

“The high proportion of hit and runs is alarming, occurring in almost one in four fatal crashes. Post-crash care is an overlooked aspect of pedestrian crashes in the NT that needs our attention. As well as having a legal obligation to stop and notify police, what a driver does in the event of a crash has the potential to change the chances of, and quality of, survival for the pedestrian.”

The study, which received support from the NT Motor Accident Compensation Commission, was published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia.

The complete study is accessible here. Maps detailing pedestrian crash hotspots throughout the NT can be viewed on pages 16-19 of the report on pedestrian deaths and serious injuries.