Regional South Australia’s car crash hot spots ranked by property damage, injury and fatalities

From minor prangs to serious fatalities, SA’s most dangerous regional areas have been exposed. See where you’re most likely to have a car crash.

From fender benders to tragic fatal accidents, the regional South Australian locations where drivers are most likely to have a road crash have been revealed.

Data released by financial group Canstar uncovered the state’s most dangerous regional hot spots in 2020.

The figures casts a light on all types of motor incidents, listing the worst 10 country areas for road deaths, injuries and property damage.

See the worst areas for regional crashes below

Mount Gambier has been identified as one of the most dangerous regional areas to drive, with more than double the amount of non-fatal accidents compared to most other regional centres.

The Hills and Fleurieu region was the most deadly recording 17 of South Australia’s 93 fatal crashes in 2020.

Examining data from SA Police, the Limestone Coast has seen a significant uptick in crashes.

Between 2020 and 2021 the number of fatal accidents for the Limestone Coast more than doubled, while the total number of accidents in Robe more than quadrupled.

Major Crash on the scene investigating a single car crash that killed a 31-year-old Mount Gambier man at Tarpeena last year. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Officer in Charge of the Limestone Coast Superintendent Campbell Hill said there were far reaching ripple effects of fatal road crashes.

“Every driver has a responsibility to behave in a way that does not endanger their own life or the lives of other innocent road users,” Supt Hill said.

“The catastrophic effects ripple through families, friends, colleagues, teammates, neighbours and whole communities.”

CFS Operations Manager for region five, which covers the Limestone Coast, Jason Druwitt echoed Supt Hill’s comments, adding even minor accidents can take a severe toll on the road users and first responders.

Mr Druwitt said during low-impact crashes it was not uncommon to see people requiring medical treatment for shock.

“When we attend a scene of an incident resulting in minor trauma to major trauma or through to fatal injuries — it does take its toll,” he said.

“Stress is a cumulative - the analogy I use is, if you’ve got a cup and you add droplets of water, each drop you add into that cup further fills it.

“At a particular point, that cup will overflow — then you’ve got a problem.”

“From our perspective, we would like people to remain vigilant when they're travelling down the road, drive to the road conditions, if they are feeling tired, take a break.”

Emergency services at a serious crash near Mount Gambier in 2020. Picture: SA Police

Canstar finance expert Steve Mickenbecker shared some tips to remember following the stress of a vehicle accident.

“No one ever plans to get in a collision, so when we do, it takes us off guard,” he said.

“Traffic accidents can happen when you least expect it.

“Get to safety as soon as possible, regardless of how big or small the accident — move your car off the road, and check to make sure no one is hurt.

“Exchange details with the other driver as well, including their license number, registration, phone number, home address and insurance details. You should also take photos of both vehicles.”