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Sobering crash data shows more 17-21 year olds are being injured or killed on our roads than other age group – a stark reminder of the risks faced by young people ahead of RAA’s annual Street Smart High road safety event.
Between 2019 and 2023, 102 young people under the age of 25 lost their lives in a crash in South Australia, and another 6,474 were injured.
Of these, 58 deaths and 3,023 injuries were 17-21 year olds – 141% more than the average of all other adult age groups.
In crashes involving a young person that resulted in fatal or serious injury, the young person was found to be responsible for the collision 71% of the time, according to State Government crash data.
This week, more than 12,500 high school students from across South Australia will descend on the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for RAA’s Street Smart High program – the state’s largest youth road safety initiative.
Across three days, students from over 100 metro and regional schools will witness a confronting crash re-enactment and hear first-hand from first responders, survivors, and families affected by road trauma. The aim is to leave them with a lasting understanding of the life-or-death consequences of choices behind the wheel.
Presented by RAA with THINK! Road Safety, Lifetime Support Authority and Donate Life, Street Smart High has been experienced by more than 100,000 students since its inception in 2009.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said it was critical to educate young people about road safety.
“Young South Australians continue to be overrepresented in casualty crashes, and this highlights the increased level of risk drivers face when they first get their licence,” Mr Reade said.
“Too often our youngest drivers aren’t fully aware of the risks that come with sharing the road with others – nor the potential consequences if something goes wrong.
“Street Smart High is about showing students the real-life consequences of dangerous behaviour behind the wheel – whether that’s speeding, driving distracted, or failing to wear a seatbelt.
“It’s about helping them understand that one poor decision behind the wheel can change their lives, and the lives of others, forever.
“Students witness a realistic simulated crash scene, before hearing from crash survivors and family members who have tragically lost loves ones to road trauma.”
Minister for Police Blair Boyer MP said the event had a powerful impact on young drivers.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to see this program in action and the impact it has on young people, particularly as they are about to get their licences and become road users,” Minister Boyer said.
“One of the leading causes of death for people under 25 is road crashes.
“This program gives them tools and real-world insights to make smarter and safer choices on the road.”
South Australia Police’s Superintendent Shane Johnson from Traffic Services Branch said becoming a new driver is a liberating time, but it comes with serious responsibilities.
“This event is a great way to educate our young drivers on the gravity of their choices behind the wheel,” Superintendent Johnson said.
“One poor decision can result in devastating consequences – losing their life or sustaining life changing injuries.
“Last year 81 per cent of drivers who received an Instant Loss of Licence were young drivers (16-24 years). They all lost their personal freedom by choosing to speed, be distracted, drive dangerously or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”