With the anticipated rush of tens of thousands of South Australians hitting the road for the long weekend and school holidays, safety on the roads is paramount. The holiday exodus calls for greater caution, especially given last year’s grim October holiday statistics.
This year, South Australian roads have witnessed the tragic loss of 87 lives, with another 618 individuals suffering serious injuries. To put this into perspective, the entirety of 2022 saw 71 fatalities and 652 serious injuries. The previous October long weekend and school holiday period alone accounted for 2 of those fatalities and 24 of the serious injuries.
In addition, data from RAA earlier this month spotlighted spring as the peak season for rear-end crashes and side swipes. These figures underline an imperative need for heightened awareness and care when driving.
Charles Mountain, RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure, expressed his concern, stating, “Unfortunately, we’re on track to have one of the worst years on our roads in more than a decade.” He emphasised the importance of planning ahead for a safe drive, noting that time constraints often lead motorists to make hasty decisions. These choices not only jeopardise their own safety but also the safety of their loved ones and fellow road users.
To assist drivers in their journey, Mountain suggests the utilization of online tools or apps, such as RAA Go. Such platforms allow for efficient journey planning, accounting for increased traffic and any ongoing major works. He also highlighted the significance of obeying speed limits in roadwork zones and remaining vigilant of potential hazards.
Mountain added, “Remember to take a rest stop every 2 hours.” Not only does this ensure drivers remain alert, but it also provides an opportunity to support local businesses with a quick purchase. For families with young kids, more frequent stops can be beneficial in keeping the little ones entertained and ensuring distractions from the backseat are minimised.
As the school holidays set in, there’s also the added element of learner drivers hitting the roads to fill up their logbook hours. “Learner drivers may feel overwhelmed on the road – so it’s important to put yourself in their shoes,” says Mountain, advocating for patience and empathy. The RAA encourages maintaining safe distances and only overtaking on regional roads when it’s absolutely safe.
Spring, while beautiful, brings its own set of challenges. The extended daylight can lead to sun glares, causing reduced visibility for drivers. The warmer weather also sees a surge in wildlife activity. “Wildlife, such as kangaroos and foxes, start to become more active in the warmer weather, so be mindful of signage and drive to the conditions to avoid these hazards,” Mountain warned.
For those keen on learning more about road safety initiatives or seeking additional resources, RAA has a host of information available on their website.
For more on RAA’s road safety initiatives, visit raa.com.au/roadsafety
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