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In what has been a horror start to 2025, 12 people lost their lives on South Australian roads in January – the deadliest first month of the year since 2019
Of the 12 fatal crashes so far this year, six occurred in regional SA and six in the metropolitan area.
All six regional fatal crashes have been single-vehicle run-off-road crashes – two of which were cyclists.
Five of the six metropolitan fatalities have been vulnerable road users – three pedestrians and two motorcyclists.
It’s prompted RAA to issue a reminder to South Aussies to drive and ride to the conditions, avoid distractions and adhere to speed limits.
This has been the deadliest start to the year on SA roads since 2019, when 14 lives were lost in January.
By comparison, South Australia recorded four fatalities in the first month of 2024.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain said the number of serious crashes across the country was increasing at a concerning rate.
“At RAA we continually advocate for safer roads and safer communities on behalf of all South Australians,” Mr Mountain said.
“What we’ve seen on our roads so far this year is tragic and cause for serious concern.
“Across December and January, 23 lives were lost on SA roads – the worst two months on our roads since early-2023, which was a catastrophic year on our roads.”
Mr Mountain said RAA advocated for the ‘Safe Systems’ approach to road safety – which involved addressing multiple factors that may increase the risk of road trauma.
“The Safe Systems approach relies on us having safe road infrastructure, safe vehicles, safe speeds and safe road user behaviour,” Mr Mountain said.
“We need ongoing focus and investment across all of these areas.
“We’ve long called for duplication of the national highway network including the Augusta, Sturt and Dukes Highways, and addressing out $2bn road maintenance backlog.
“On an individual level, we should ensure we’re driving the safest car we can afford, adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions and driving to the conditions.”