Figures obtained by the Journal last week reveal that the highest-ranking intersection for collisions in 2009 was that of Maroondah Highway and Warrandyte Road, with 19 reported collisions.

In second place, with 16 collisions, was the intersection of Canterbury and Wantirna roads, also in Ringwood.

Senior Constable Martin Buzzell, of the Maroondah traffic management unit, said most collisions had occurred somewhere along Maroondah Highway.

"This is obvious because [Maroondah Highway] carries the most traffic through our area. Most collisions are occurring in the afternoon peak, and the highest type of collisions are nose-to-tail and T-bones."

Senior Constable Buzzell said Ringwood had also been identified as being the municipality's highest-risk suburb when it came to collisions, recording seven out of the 10 intersections with the highest number of collisions.

"Once again, this is because of the amount of traffic that passes through it, including on and off ramps to EastLink."

Despite being a fatality-free municipality last year, Maroondah recorded a total of 595 collisions, 51 of which resulted in serious injury.

"I think it's because Maroondah is a small area with lower speed limits then other areas," Senior Constable Buzzell said. "With the exception of EastLink, we only have one road where the speed limit is above 70kmh and that's Maroondah Highway.

"It's up to all of us to keep the collision rate down. The person who can help the most is the person holding the steering wheel."