Car Crashes in Gippsland: Causes, Costs & Expert Smash Repairs in Leongatha

Anyone who’s driven through Gippsland knows the feeling. You’re cruising along the South Gippsland Highway, windows down, taking in those rolling green hills, and then reality hits. This beautiful patch of Victoria we call home has some seriously dangerous roads.

The numbers don’t lie. More than half of all Victorian road deaths happen outside Melbourne, and unfortunately, our local council areas are regulars on the grim statistics. But here’s the thing, most of these crashes don’t have to happen.

After nearly five decades of fixing smashed cars in Leongatha, we’ve seen it all. The good news? Once you understand what’s actually causing crashes out here, you can do something about it.

Here’s what really gets us: Speed, mobile phones, and roos cause most of the serious crashes around here. Yet every single one could’ve been avoided with a few simple changes.

The Reality Check: How Bad Is It Out Here?

Let’s cut straight to the facts:

  • Speed kills: 23 people have already died this year from speed-related crashes across Victoria, with 45 lost in 2023
  • Phone obsession: Those new AI cameras caught nearly 10,000 drivers on their phones in just three months – and plenty were on our highways
  • Roo strikes are getting worse: Wildlife Victoria’s call-outs jumped 24% in a single year
  • Weather woes: Four major floods since Christmas have smashed over 100 roads and cost the state nearly $100 million to fix, most of that right here in Gippsland

Sound familiar? You’ve probably witnessed at least one of these scenarios yourself.

The Big Six: What’s Really Causing Crashes Around Here

1. Going Too Fast on Country Roads

Look, we get it. Those 100km/h signs on the Princes Highway feel like suggestions when you’re running late for work in Sale. But here’s what happens: at those speeds, a tiny mistake becomes a massive problem.

Single-car run-offs, head-on collisions, rollovers, they’re happening every week on our main roads. Speed is still the number one killer on Victorian roads, and it’s claiming 23 lives already this year.

The worst part? Most crashes happen when someone’s going just 5-10km/h over the limit. Not hoon-level speeding, just everyday impatience.

Learn more about our approach to High-Speed Collisions.

2. Mobile Phones (Yes, Even on Quiet Roads)

“But there’s no traffic out here!”

Wrong thinking. At 100km/h, taking your eyes off the road for two seconds means you’ve travelled 55 metres blind. That’s nearly half a football field.

Those AI cameras aren’t just in the city anymore – they’re on regional highways, and they caught nearly 10,000 drivers in the last quarter alone. Many were locals who thought country roads were safe for a quick text.

Pro tip: Chuck your phone in the glovebox before you start driving. Navigation can wait until you’re stationary.

3. Wildlife (The Gippsland Special)

Ah, the wildlife. Kangaroos, wombats, deer, and the occasional escaped cow. They’re everywhere, especially at dawn and dusk when most of us are commuting.

Wildlife crashes shot up 24% last year alone. If you’re driving through bushland around sunrise or sunset, slow down and scan the roadsides.

And please, never swerve hard to avoid an animal. Controlled braking is way safer than ending up in oncoming traffic or wrapped around a tree.

Learn more about Kangaroo Collision Repairs.

4. Roads That Look Like They’ve Been Through a War

The 2023-24 floods hammered our roads. Potholes everywhere, shoulders washed away, surfaces that look okay but are slick as ice when wet.

Over 100 roads were closed, and the government has thrown nearly $100 million at fixing them. But let’s be honest – plenty are still a mess.

Hit a serious pothole at highway speed and you’re looking at bent wheels, busted suspension, or worse. When in doubt, slow down.

Learn more about pothole damage and repairs.

5. The Long-Distance Drift

Driving from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance? Bairnsdale to Leongatha? Those long stretches can send anyone into a trance, especially late at night or early morning.

One in five fatal crashes involves a drowsy driver. That’s not just shift workers – it’s anyone who’s pushed themselves too far.

Take a break every two hours. Share the driving. Stop for a coffee. Your family’s counting on you to arrive in one piece.

6. Roads That Haven’t Changed Since the 1970s

Despite all the government funding, roads like the South Gippsland Highway and Grand Ridge Road keep appearing on “worst roads” lists. There’s a reason for that.

Many of these roads were built for different traffic volumes and slower speeds. Now they’re carrying modern cars at 100km/h with minimal safety infrastructure.

Until they’re properly upgraded, drive to the conditions – not the speed limit.

If the Worst Happens: Your Action Plan

Nobody plans to crash, but if you do:

  1. Safety first – check for injuries, call 000 if needed
  2. Get off the road if possible, hazards on
  3. Call police for injuries, hazards, or disputes
  4. Document everything – photos of the scene, damage, skid marks
  5. Exchange details with other drivers or property owners
  6. Ring your insurer when you’re safe
  7. Organise towing if your car’s not roadworthy

“How Long Will My Repair Take?”

We hear this question every day, and we understand why you’re asking. But anyone who gives you a definite answer upfront isn’t being honest.

We’ll give you realistic expectations once we know what we’re dealing with, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Choosing a Smash Repairer You Can Trust

Not all panel shops are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

  • Proper credentials (VACC or I-CAR accreditation)
  • Transparent quotes with no dodgy time promises
  • Regular updates via photos or SMS
  • Strong local reputation (we’ve got 70+ five-star Google reviews)
  • Insurance expertise so you don’t have to deal with the paperwork
  • Honest about parts – OEM when possible, clear when using aftermarket

Why Locals Choose CPK McLaren

We’ve been part of this community since 1973, that’s nearly 50 years of fixing cars for families just like yours.

  • We know these roads: Every crash pattern, every common repair, every insurance quirk
  • Professional equipment: Car-O-Liner chassis jig, temperature-controlled spray booth
  • No BS timelines: We explain what might go wrong before it does
  • Insurance made easy: We handle the paperwork so you don’t have to
  • Lifetime guarantee on our workmanship

How We Actually Work (The Real Process)

  1. Free assessment – we’ll tell you exactly what we find
  2. Detailed photos and inspection – nothing hidden
  3. Quote to your insurer – itemised, no surprises
  4. Get approval and order parts – we chase this up so you don’t have to
  5. Fix the structure and mechanical bits first
  6. Panel work and painting – back to showroom standard
  7. Final check and handover – with instructions on caring for your repair

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Do I have to use my insurer’s “preferred” repairer? Nope. Australian law lets you choose, just double-check your policy’s “choice of repairer” section.

How quickly do I need to lodge a wildlife claim? Most insurers want to know within 24 hours, but every policy’s different. Check your PDS to be sure.

Will I get a hire car? Depends on your cover level. Many comprehensive policies include it, and we can help arrange a hire care if you are eligible for one.

Need Straight Answers About Your Crash?

Visit or contact us today We’re ready to help with any repair needs. Reach out today or drop by to see how we can get your car looking like new.

Phone: 03 5662 4173
Address: 17-19 Roughead St, Leongatha VIC 3953
Email: info@mclarenmotorbody.com.au

No sales pitch, no unrealistic promises – just honest advice from people who’ve been fixing cars in Gippsland longer than most.

Stats current as of July 2025. Repair times are estimates only – every job’s different.