‘Horrendous’ start to the year: South East truck crash brings road toll to 18

Following the tragic death of a man who crashed into a tree in Penola overnight, police have been left shocked at the horrible start to year as the state road toll climbs to 18.

Police have been left shocked at the horrible start to year, with the state road toll climbing to 18, following a horror truck smash.

At this time last year there had been just four fatal collisions.

The Mount Gambier man, 49, died overnight when the truck he was driving left the road and crashed into a tree, just after 10pm along the Riddoch Highway, in Penola.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday announcing new police powers to target drug drivers, Police Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said it was “horrendous” 18 lives had been lost.

“It is now the worst start in 10 years to the number of lives lost on South Australian roads,” he said.

The 49-year-old died at the scene, and police have closed the Riddoch Highway between Robe Road and Mount Burr Road.

Police are diverting traffic through Penola and have asked the public to avoid the area if possible.

The man’s death brings the state’s road toll to 18 compared to four this time last year.

The man’s death comes just weeks after Limestone Coast police operations inspector Karmen Conway issued a stern reminder to the South East community on road safety, following the death of an 18-year-old Naracoorte teen.

Under the new laws, which come into affect on Monday, police will be able to issue an immediate loss of licence to drug drivers.

Previously those who tested positive to an illicit substance would be handed either a fine or a court summons, which may result in a loss of licence.

However the alleged offender would be able to continue driving until their court date.