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Serious motorbike crashes have increased by 58% in recent years despite a drop in the number of motorbike licence holders in South Australia.
Fatal and serious motorbike crashes have increased by an alarming 58% in the past five years (2019-2023) compared with the five years prior – according to SA crash data analysed by RAA. There have been 966 serious crashes involving motorcycles in the past five years (2019-2023) compared to 611 across the previous five years.
This is despite the number of full motorbike (R) licence holders declining by 3% compared to 10 years ago while full drivers (C) licences have increased by 15.7% over the same time.
Crash data also shows an alarming one in 10 motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes did not hold a valid motorcycle licence.
An overwhelming majority of motorcyclist casualty crashes involved male riders (93%) with male motorcyclists aged 16-28 the most at risk – accounting for 34% of casualty crashes involving motorcyclists.
Of all age groups and genders – 20-year-old males were found to be involved in the most motorcycle crashes on SA roads.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain has urged riders to take extra care on our roads especially this time of year as the hours of daylight are less over the winter months and the roads are frequently wet and slippery.
“So far this year 5 motorcyclists have lost their lives and 104 have sustained serious injuries on SA roads which has a devastating impact on road safety outcomes and the community,” Mr Mountain said.
“46% of motorcyclist casualty crashes involved a run-off-road crash – most commonly rolling over or hitting a fixed object.
“Be seen and prioritise your visibility – especially during those dark winter mornings and nights – and keep your headlights on at all times.
“Also be aware of drivers’ blind spots and make sure you’re actively positioning yourself where others can see you on the road – and make sure you’re maintaining a safe following distance especially in adverse weather conditions.”
“RAA is reminding riders to ride to the conditions, at the appropriate speed and ensure you’re wearing the appropriate safety wear to best prevent injury – including a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots.
“A lack of physical protection means increased exposure to hazards – and a more vulnerable motorcyclist with a higher risk of injury.”
“More than half of fatal crashes are also happening regionally, where there may be less forgiving road infrastructure and a greater prevalence of single-vehicle off-road incidents.
“We don’t want to see any more riders lose their lives and plead with motorcyclists to be safe – especially with rain, wind and uneven road surfaces making riding even more hazardous over winter.
“Motorcyclists account for a disproportionate amount of fatalities and serious injuries when compared to vehicle occupants and it’s important to take every step necessary both as drivers and as riders to share the road responsibly and stay as safe as possible on our roads.”