Premier slams alleged drunk driver’s actions after man killed in horror crash in Adelaide Hills

The Premier has blasted reckless road users after an Athelstone man became the 20th life lost on SA roads in 2023. The man behind the wheel has been charged.

Premier Peter Malinauskas has issued a stern warning for reckless road users after a Wynn Vale man was charged over the death of his passenger in a horror crash in the Adelaide Hills.

Around 6:30pm on Wednesday emergency services were called to Paracombe Rd at Paracombe after reports a car crashed into a tree.

The passenger, a 34-year-old man from Athelstone, died at the scene.

The driver, a 31-year-old man, was breathtested and allegedly produced a blood alcohol reading of 0.145.

Major Crash investigators arrested and charged the driver with aggravated causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

A driver has been charged over an alleged drunken crash that killed a 34-year-old passenger at Paracombe. Police say the driver, a 31-year-old Wynn Vale man, allegedly returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.145. The latest in 7NEWS Adelaide at 11.30am, 4pm and 6pm. #7NEWSpic.twitter.com/wwg6ddbWgC

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) February 16, 2023

He has been bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court in April.

The road was closed to all traffic from Lower North East Rd to Murphy Rd, but has since reopened.

The passenger’s death is the 20th life lost on SA roads compared with six at the same time last year.

On Thursday afternoon, Premier Peter Malinauskas spoke frankly about the allegations against the driver and the crash.

“Someone innocent losing their life on the road because of actions of (an alleged) drunk driver is horrific … It’s hard not to get angry about it,” he said.

The Premier warned the “law will come down severely upon anyone who makes a decision to get behind the wheel intoxicated”.

“It’s just not worth it … catch a cab, order the Uber, walk home,” he said.

“No matter how much advertising, campaigning and work on the ground … one thing the state government can’t do is account for idiots.

“Nonetheless, we’ll try and we’ll keep trying.”

The state government is expected to release a renewed road safety action plan.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs previously said the plan will detail strategies to “ensure our road toll is lowered dramatically”.