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Concerning SA road statistics reduced despite Australia recording worst road toll since 1960s

Australia records an increase in road deaths for the fourth year running, the first since the 1960s, even as vehicle safety technology advances.

 

RAA’s road safety experts have highlighted a concerning trend in road safety, with road deaths and serious injuries in Australia increasing for the fourth consecutive year, the first such occurrence since the 1960s. The RAA’s analysis of the 2024 state and national crash data has raised alarm, emphasising the critical need for more road safety awareness and action.

In South Australia, the 2024 figures are particularly troubling. Although there was a slight decrease compared to 2023, 91 people still lost their lives and 845 were seriously injured last year. The decrease did little to counter the longer-term trend of rising road trauma since the mid-2010s. Despite advancements in vehicle technology aimed at improving road safety, the number of fatalities and serious injuries has persistently increased.

RAA’s report provides a detailed breakdown of the fatalities. Regional areas of South Australia were notably more dangerous, with 70% of fatal crashes occurring there. The data revealed that older individuals, particularly those aged 60 and above, accounted for 47% of all road deaths. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, made up 40% of the fatalities, with this figure increasing to 56% in metropolitan areas.

The report also highlighted specific roads with the highest amounts of fatal incidents. Riddoch Highway and Main South Road each had six fatalities, followed by Eyre Highway and Sturt Highway, which both recorded four deaths in 2024.

Despite South Australia’s reduction in road deaths by 8% compared to its five-year average, the state remains significantly off track to meet the goals set in its Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan. This plan targets a 50% reduction in deaths and a 30% reduction in serious injuries by 2031 compared to the 2018-2020 baseline. To have reached this South Australia needed to limit the number of deaths to no more than 80 and serious injuries to 638 last year.

, expressed grave concerns over the national increase in road-related deaths. “Every life lost on our roads is an unimaginable tragedy that rips apart families and communities. Serious injuries also have a permanent impact on an individual’s quality of life and become a major strain on loved ones,” he stated. Vertudaches emphasized the importance of continuing to promote road safety to mitigate the devastating impact of road trauma.

“At RAA we want to advocate for safer roads and safer communities – through safer roads, safer cars and safer drivers,” shared Matt Vertudaches, RAA Senior Traffic Engineer.

“Every life lost on our roads is an unimaginable tragedy that rips apart a family and community, and serious injuries often have a permanent impact on an individual’s quality of life and become a major strain on loved ones.

“That’s why we continue to raise awareness of the heartbreaking impact of road trauma.”

The persistence of serious road accidents despite enhanced vehicle safety indicates issues such as driver distraction, speeding, and non-compliance with road safety measures. Vertudaches pointed out that factors like distraction and complacency are major impediments to reducing road crashes. He urged all road users to recognise the “Fatal 5 causes of road trauma” – distraction, speeding, driving under the influence, not wearing a seat belt, and dangerous behaviour.

“Distraction and general complacency remain a huge impediment to reducing our rate of crashes, as we know taking your attention off the road for just a few seconds can have catastrophic consequences.

“We urge drivers to reflect on the responsibility that comes with being in control of a two-tonne vehicle at speed and sharing the road with others – as well as the tragic ripple effect that occurs in our community when someone is killed or seriously injured.”

The continued efforts of RAA to promote road safety are part of its broader mission to provide peace of mind to its members through various motor, home, and travel services. With over 800,000 members, RAA remains committed to advocating for safer roads and communities in South Australia.

 

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