Why Heatherton Road is becoming a deadly risk for pedestrians

Heatherton Road is fast becoming one of Melbourne’s most dangerous roads for pedestrians.

Running through busy suburbs in Melbourne’s southeast, this stretch of road has been linked to multiple fatal crashes in recent years, involving those most vulnerable on our roads: people on foot.

The data paints a sobering picture. Heatherton Road is increasingly dangerous for people with the least protection when things go wrong. Read more about Compulsory Third Party insurance. 

Lives lost on Heatherton Road

In October 2024, a three-year-old girl was fatally struck in broad daylight at a pedestrian crossing while walking with her family on Heatherton Road in Endeavour Hills. Just eight months later, in June 2025, a beloved father of two was killed less than 200 meters away, near Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre.

These tragedies are not isolated incidents. They point to a systemic safety failure on a road that thousands of people rely on every day.

Why is Heatherton Road so dangerous?

Heatherton Road carries heavy daily traffic while running through residential neighbourhoods, schools, and local shopping areas. This creates constant interaction between fast-moving vehicles and pedestrians, which is a high-risk combination on any urban road.

The danger is significantly amplified by a 60 km/h speed limit on a road where safe pedestrian crossings are scarce. At that speed, drivers have little time to react, and any mistake is far more likely to be fatal.

Many of Heatherton Road’s victims were simply trying to cross near their homes. Yet large sections of the road lack signalised crossings and almost no safe pedestrian paths, leaving residents with no safe alternatives and forcing them to take risks just to reach their destination.

Combined with narrow lanes and obstructed views of pedestrians, the lack of pedestrian infrastructure leaves the community dangerously exposed. Heatherton Road was designed to move traffic efficiently, but that very design exposes pedestrians to the greatest risk. Without significant safety upgrades, lives will continue to be lost.

Pedestrian deaths are at a 17‑year high in Victoria

What’s happening on Heatherton Road reflects a much broader and deeply concerning trend.

Victoria recorded 52 pedestrian deaths in 2025, the highest number of pedestrian deaths in 17 years, surpassing levels not seen since 2008.

This spike aligns with a broader national trend, with pedestrian deaths surging by nearly 50% since 2021, reversing years of progress in road safety.

This data underlines an urgent reality: our current road designs and speed settings are failing to protect pedestrians. Heatherton Road, with its high speeds and lack of safe crossings, is a prime example of the risks contributing to this crisis.

Recent research from the University of Melbourne highlights another troubling factor. While modern vehicles have become safer for those inside them, they’ve grown more dangerous for people outside the vehicle. The rise of SUVs and utes is increasingly linked to the spike in pedestrian fatalities.

The reason is simple: size and weight matter.

Larger vehicles sit higher off the ground, reducing driver visibility of pedestrians and increasing the severity of injuries when collisions occur.

The changes that can make all the difference 

Together with the local community, we’re calling for urgent action to make Heatherton Road safer for pedestrians. Our focus is on three critical areas:

1. Lowering speed limits
   Reducing the current 60 km/h limit to 50 km/h or even 40 km/h in high-risk zones could dramatically reduce the severity of crashes and give drivers more time to react.
   
   Similar measures have already been implemented across Victoria, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity. These targeted speed reductions have proven effective in reducing serious injuries and fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for similar interventions along Heatherton Road.
   
   
2. Building safer crossings
   Proposed plans include installing more signalised pedestrian crossings and refuge islands, particularly near schools, residential areas, and local businesses. These upgrades aim to give pedestrians safe, predictable points to cross, significantly reducing risk.
   
   
3. Improving enforcement
   Stricter speed enforcement will play a critical role in preventing dangerous behaviours like speeding and running red lights. Mobile speed cameras and increased patrols will help ensure drivers comply with safer speed limits, reducing the likelihood of serious crashes and protecting all road users.

How to claim compensation from a road accident

If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident, whether as a driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. This can help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, income support and ongoing care.

Our team is highly skilled and experienced in getting the best outcomes for our clients. Our expert road accident lawyers can guide you through the vehicle accident claim process and help ensure you get the compensation you're entitled to. 

Use our free road injury claim check tool to see if you may be eligible. Contact us to book a consultation and find out where you stand.