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RAA is urging South Aussies to share the road safely this long weekend – warning that more fatal crashes have occurred in March than any other month over the past five years.
Between 2019-2023, 63 people lost their lives on SA roads during the month of March – 12 more than any other month – according to RAA analysis of state government crash data.
Last year, 17 lives were lost in March – the worst month on SA roads since October 2015.
RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches said the worrying March spike in road trauma may be in part due to drivers heading away for the long weekend, combined with busy metro roads for the Mad March period.
“In recent years, March has consistently been the worst month of the year on South Australian roads,” Mr Vertudaches said.
“Tragically, we’ve already lost two lives on our roads this month and 17 so far this year.
“It’s important to remember that each life lost on our roads is someone’s son, daughter, brother or sister, that leaves a hole in a South Australian family.
“We should never take the responsibility that comes with sharing the road lightly.
“It’s hard to pinpoint why March has been so tragic on our roads in recent years – but we know there is a lot of activity both on our city roads and our regional roads at this time of year, with festivals taking place and the work year back in full swing.”
Of the fatal crashes in March between 2019-2023, 64% have occurred in regional areas, with the most occurring in the Barossa Light & Lower North (9) and the Murray and Mallee (7) regions.
Mr Vertudaches reminded drivers of the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma: distraction, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt and dangerous road users.
“We’re urging drivers, riders and pedestrians alike not to get complacent on our roads this long weekend – stick to the speed limit, stay fully focused on the task of driving and drive to the conditions.
“If you are consuming alcohol, make alternative transport arrangements or ensure that a designated driver is responsible for getting everyone home safely.
“Let’s buck the trend this March by setting the right example and looking after each on our roads.”
