As school holidays approach, the RAA has released alarming crash data revealing the most dangerous locations for road trauma across South Australia. The towns of Murray Bridge, Whyalla, and Mount Gambier are highlighted as the regions with the most significant numbers of fatal and severe crashes outside the suburban areas of Adelaide.
Over the decade from 2013 to 2022, Adelaide recorded the highest casualties with 184 individuals either severely injured or killed in car accidents. However, close on its heels were the regional towns of Murray Bridge and Whyalla, each with 64 casualties, and Mount Gambier with 63. Other areas with high numbers of accidents included McLaren Vale with 53 casualties, Prospect with 47, and North Adelaide with 46 incidents.
The data also shows a concerning uptrend in regional road fatalities, which make up 77% of all road-related deaths in the first half of the year, a significant increase from the ten-year average of 66%.
In light of these statistics, Charles Mountain, RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure, issued a serious warning about road safety for the upcoming school holiday period. Many South Australian families are expected to travel to regional destinations, so increased awareness and precaution is needed.
“Around two-thirds of all lives lost are on regional roads each year, so South Australians preparing to head away for the school holidays need to keep safety front of mind,” Mr. Mountain advised. He stressed the heightened risks associated with regional roads, which often involve high-speed limits and require undivided attention from drivers.
Mr. Mountain also reiterated the ‘Fatal 5’ causes of road trauma: distraction, including mobile phone use; excessive speed; failure to wear a seatbelt; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and dangerous road user behaviours. He advised those planning to travel during the holidays to adhere strictly to the speed limits, ensure all passengers are belted securely, take regular rest breaks, and rotate drivers if possible to avoid fatigue.
The RAA’s findings and warnings are crucial for all road users but particularly for families planning holiday travels. With the increase in traffic expected during the school break, heightened caution on the roads is essential. The data serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks and underscores the importance of road safety measures.
More News
