Thousands of drivers just one minor offence away from losing their licence as authorities launch new road toll plan

A staggering number of SA drivers are just one minor offence away from losing their licence.

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More than 15,000 motorists on South Australian roads have such questionable driving records that they are one minor traffic offence away from being stripped of their licence.

Navigating the state’s roads is about to get much harder for drivers who already have black marks against their name, with the Government pledging to increase demerit point penalties for the worst law breakers.

As the state battles to contain a 60 per cent increase in this year’s road toll with a high-powered road safety summit held yesterday, the Transport Department has revealed 15,283 drivers are flirting with disqualification by accumulating nine or more demerit points.

A motorbike rider uses a mobile phone while driving. Picture; John Grainger

Motorists lose their licence if they accumulate 12 demerit points over a three-year period.

The figures also reveal staggering growth in the number of drivers on the brink of being banned — up from 8320 people in the same situation in 2012.

Road Safety Minister Corey Wingard emerged from the road toll summit to declare the State Government would overhaul laws to “go after” the most serious offenders on the road.

“Among other important issues, the experts discussed the possibilities of tougher laws and enforcement for motorists who risk lives by breaking the law,’’ he said. “The road users who decide to travel 30, 40, 50km/h or more above the limit is a particular frustration.

“The same goes for repeat offenders who rack up excessive demerit points or motorcyclists who decide to travel without a helmet at similar high speeds.’’

The Advertiser revealed on Monday that Mr Wingard had called the road safety summit at Parliament House in preparation for the winding up of the Motor Accident Commission and transfer of road safety campaigning to the Transport Department and SA Police from July 1.

Authorities are battling a shocking increase in this year’s road toll, which stands at 45 compared to 28 at the same time last year.

Mr Wingard said drivers who repeatedly accrued large numbers of demerit points at one time could not blame a temporary lapse of concentration.

“There is a conscious and deliberate decision to risk their own life and that of others on the road,’’ he said.

“They should expect no sympathy from the law — and tougher new penalties for this type of offending is something I’m very open to considering.’’

The Transport Department figures show 77,811 drivers have currently accumulated six demerit points. If those drivers were to commit a serious offence which incurred a penalty of six points, they would also lose their licence.

More common offences currently resulting in three demerit points including speeding by 10-19km/h over the limit, failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to give way, red light running and using a mobile phone while driving.

Transport Department director Emma Kokar said demerit point accumulation for minor offences should not be viewed as a minor issue in terms of possible consequences.

“Unfortunately a minor distraction, a lapse in attention or an error of judgment can have disastrous consequences on the road,’’ she said. “It might not be you that makes the mistake, it may be another motorist coming towards you, or in the lane adjacent.”