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There were 32 lives lost and 226 serious injuries on SA roads between January – March 2026, driven by an alarming increase in crashes involving both motorcyclists and younger road users – RAA’s quarterly crash data analysis shows.
The 32 lives lost equates to 1.7 lives lost per 100,000 people in SA – which is more lives lost per capita than any other Australian state, behind only Northern Territory, to start the year.
Seven motorcyclists were killed on SA roads in that period (46% more than the 5-year average) and eight people aged 20-29 also lost their lives (90% above the average).
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said too many lives were being tragically cut short or suffer lifetime consequences as a result of road trauma.
“It has been a tragic start to the year on SA roads,” Mr Mountain said.
“Every life lost on our roads represents a family torn apart, and this is happening far too often across the country.
“March was a particularly devastating month with 19 lives lost – the deadliest month on SA roads in more than a decade.
“Regional roads continue to be overrepresented, accounting for 59% of lives lost so far this year.
The state’s 10-year Road Safety Strategy to 2031 set a target of at least a 50% reduction in lives lost and at least a 30% reduction in serious injuries – equating to fewer than 43 lives lost and 474 serious injuries per year by 2031.
Mr Mountain said with 32 lives lost and 226 serious injuries in the first quarter of 2026 – SA is well off track to reach these targets.
“The rate of serious crashes has been rising in the last 5-6 years despite vehicles getting significantly safer, which is alarming and shows just how much more needs to be done to get the message across to road users,” Mr Mountain said.
“Motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in lives lost in the first part of the year, and this is a real concern given how vulnerable riders are on our roads.
“Ten motorcyclist deaths so far this year is a community tragedy, particularly given that three of these riders lost their life across the Easter long weekend.
“We’re urging drivers, riders and pedestrians alike not to be complacent when sharing the road.
“Please remember the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma: distraction, speeding, seatbelts, drugs or alcohol and dangerous behaviour.”
Lives lost by state – January – March 2026
| State | Lives lost | Lives lost per 100,000 people |
| NT | 5 | 1.9 |
| SA | 32 | 1.7 |
| TAS | 9 | 1.6 |
| WA | 44 | 1.4 |
| ACT | 7 | 1.4 |
| QLD | 75 | 1.3 |
| NSW | 90 | 1.0 |
| VIC | 64 | 0.9 |
*Preliminary figures only
**Using most recent ABS population figures
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