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Sixty people lost their lives on South Australian roads in the first six months of 2026 – a 58% increase on the same time last year and equal with 2023 as the worst mid-year result since 2019.
New RAA analysis has revealed South Australia is falling further behind its Road Safety Strategy 2031 targets, with the number of lives lost on SA roads now 30% above the five-year average and the third highest per capita in the nation.
A total of 60 lives were lost on SA roads in the first six months of the year, compared with 38 at the same point in 2025, while 444 people suffered serious injuries.
The figures come after an alarming first half of the year that included the most March lives lost since 2005, June lives lost more than double the five-year average, and South Australia’s deadliest single crash in almost a decade.
In the first six months of 2026:
RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches said the latest figures were a sobering reminder that far too many South Australians continued to lose their lives on the state’s roads.
“A mid-year total 30% higher than average puts us on a devastating trajectory, and shows we cannot become complacent about road safety,” Mr Vertudaches said.
“We’re only halfway through the year and well behind where South Australia needs to be to meet the targets set out in the State Road Safety Strategy to 2031.
“Thirteen motorcyclists and five cyclists have died this year already. While vehicle occupant fatalities have declined over past decades, our most vulnerable road users are becoming increasingly represented in road trauma.
“Too many crashes continue to involve behaviours we know are preventable, including speeding, distraction, dangerous behaviour, impairment and failing to wear a seatbelt.
“Whether you’re driving to work, riding a motorcycle, cycling or simply walking, every road user deserves to get home safely.
“There is no single solution to reducing road trauma. Safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and safer choices from everyone using the network all have a role to play.
“Each life lost is one too many, and reversing this trend must remain a priority for governments, industry and the community.”
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