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As we begin a new calendar year, we’re asking South Aussies to reflect on the number of lives lost and serious injuries suffered on our roads in 2022.
While SA recorded a lower number of lives lost in 2022—70 down from 97 in 2021 and 90 in 2020—one life lost is still one too many, and is particularly felt at times like Christmas and New Year by family and friends left behind.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said SA was one of only two Australian states where there has been a reduction in road crash fatalities in 2022.
“Nationally, we’ve seen a 6.2 per cent increase in road crash fatalities between November 2021 and November 2022 compared with the previous year,” Mr Mountain said.
“While it’s good news that we’ve lost less people on South Australian roads in 2022, we can’t afford to be complacent.”
In addition to those killed on our roads, 688 people suffered a serious injury—many of whom may never fully recover.
There has already been one life lost on SA roads in 2023.
South Australian crash data analysed by RAA shows 59 per cent of fatal crashes in 2022 were single-vehicle run off road crashes. For fatal crashes in regional South Australia, this number was even higher – 68%.
“Factors such as distraction and fatigue are major contributors to crashes, so it is essential we’re well rested, calm and focused when driving or riding,” Mr Mountain said.
“Staying focused behind the wheel is just as vital on short trips as it is for longer journeys.”
Mr Mountain said the Safe System approach to road safety relies on safe drivers, travelling in safe vehicles on safe roads at safe speeds.
“Ongoing investment across the road network is important in ensuring the roads we travel on do not contribute to the likelihood and severity of a crash even when a driver or rider makes a mistake.”
For more on RAA’s road safety initiatives, visit raa.com.au/roadsafety.