SA’s 2021 road toll records huge spike in older motorist deaths

The first half of 2021 has been the second deadliest start to a year recorded on SA roads in a decade, new figures show, as police reveal the staggering causes.

A huge spike in middle-aged and elderly motorist fatalities has led to the second deadliest start to a year on South Australian roads in a decade.

Distraction remains the biggest killer – accounting for almost half of all crash victims – but a staggering one in four drivers and passengers who died failed to wear a seatbelt.

There have been 53 lives lost on the state’s roads so far this year, including 15 during March – the worst month for fatalities since August 2017.

A driver was killed in a horror head-on crash between a car and a truck on Dukes Highway, Wolseley, in the state’s South-East on May 14. Picture: Jeff Anderson/First On Scene Media

SA Police figures show a 155 per cent increase in deaths of road users aged 50-69 from nine over the first six months of 2020 to 23 this year.

The number of 60-69-year-olds killed tripled from four to 12, while those who died in the 50-59 age group more than doubled from five to 11 over the same period.

Road safety authorities say reducing deaths and serious injuries is the responsibility of every driver, passenger, rider and pedestrian.

RAA safety and infrastructure senior manager Charles Mountain said the number of lives lost so far this year was a sombre reminder about the need for all road users to arrive home safely.

“Whether you are on Adelaide’s streets, enjoying a driving holiday this school break or are regular user of regional roads, it’s crucial not to be complacent or distracted behind the wheel,” he said.

SA ROAD TOLLS SINCE 2012

CRASH FACTORS IN 2021

“Also be aware of other drivers’ behaviour as their focus may not be where it should be.

“Even drivers in the experienced category need to be mindful and not become complacent on the road.”

SA Police figures provided to The Advertiser reveal contributing factors in the 53 road deaths so far this year. The breakdown shows:

45 PER CENT attributed to distraction.

30 PER CENT attributed to speeding.

25 PER CENT attributed to failing to wear a seatbelt.

25 PER CENT attributed to dangerous use.

21 PER CENT attributed to drink-driving.

9 PER CENT attributed to drug-driving.

There are some deaths where Major Crash officers have identified more than one contributing factor during an investigation and, as such, both are included.

The most common fatal crash type this year involves single vehicles running off the road, which has accounted for 47 per cent of lives lost.

One man died and another was seriously injured when their car left the road and rolled on Playford Highway, Kangaroo Island, on June 20.

Police figures also show the Barossa Valley, where 12 people died, recorded almost one in four of SA’s fatal crashes and a 300 per cent increase compared with last year.

The road safety unit will launch an advertising campaign this year to address regional drivers’ misconceptions that tourists and city drivers accounted for the majority of rural road deaths.

Police say 44 per cent of this year’s regional fatal crashes happened within 20km of the victim’s home and that the campaign would highlight the importance of being vigilant.

Traffic Services Branch officer-in-charge acting Superintendent Damien Eichner said: “It’s up to every single road user to take responsibility for their own driving.”

“Every life lost and every serious injury has far reaching impacts on families and whole communities,” Superintendent Eichner said.

“Every one of these deaths and injuries is preventable. There’s no excuse for ignoring the dangers of driving on regional or metropolitan roads.”

Superintendent Eichner said police had not been able to identify a direct cause for the increased number of lives lost in the 50 to 69 age group.

“But, ultimately, it is indicative of the fact that no driver is immune from the dangers and responsibility of road use, no matter how experienced they are,” he said.

“Police are continuing to focus on the five factors that most contribute to deaths and serious injuries on our roads and to enforce the laws that are in place to save lives.”

Mr Mountain urged motorists to drive to the conditions as the state moved into the depths of winter, which brought heavy rain, fog, slippery roads and even black ice in some areas.

“These conditions can dramatically affect how your vehicle behaves, particularly if you don’t adjust your driving by slowing down, reducing cornering speed and allowing a greater stopping distance. Safely negotiating such conditions requires our full attention,” he said.

Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia said: “Any life lost or serious injury is heartbreaking but recent increases among older and more experienced drivers has shocked me. It should shock you.”

“We all know younger roads users are at greater risk but this sobering reality check demonstrates driving experience doesn’t guarantee you’ll make it home alive and complacency on our roads can kill,” Mr Tarzia said.

He urged everyone to work together to help stop further deaths and serious injuries.