As we enter Rural Road Safety Month this September, the latest figures reveal a troubling trend: Australians in rural and regional areas are five times more likely to die in a road crash than their city counterparts.

Whilst road conditions and speed limits play a role, driver behaviour and vehicle maintenance are increasingly under the spotlight – especially as cost-of-living pressures force many Australians to cut corners on car care.

According to the mycar Mobility Index 2025, these financial strains are having a direct impact on safety:

66 per cent of drivers have changed their maintenance habits due to rising costs

Over one in three service their car only once every 10–12 months, despite safety risks

12 per cent of vehicle owners now perform some kind of DIY maintenance, which may compromise safety if not done properly

These trends are particularly concerning for rural and regional travel, where longer distances, higher speed limits, and limited access to emergency services make vehicle reliability and driver alertness critical.

Expert Safety Advice Available

Adele Coswello, mycar's Chief Customer Officer, is available for interview to discuss her top tips for staying safe on the road, which include:

• Book a pre-trip inspection to ensure tyres, brakes, and lights are road-ready
• Stick to a regular servicing schedule – every six months or 10,000 kilometres
• Avoid DIY shortcuts that could compromise safety
• Plan and stay alert on long rural drives