Some of South Australia’s most popular tourism regions saw a concerning increase in fatal crashes last year, prompting an RAA road safety warning. 

Holiday hotspots the Barossa, Fleurieu/Kangaroo Island and Limestone Coast all saw increases in lives lost in 2024 compared with the five-year average (2019-2023), according to crash data analysed by RAA:  

• Barossa, Light and Lower North (15 lives lost – 67 per cent increase) 
• Fleurieu Peninsula & Kangaroo Island (9 lives lost – 45 per cent  increase) 
• Limestone Coast (11 lives lost – 28% per cent increase) 

By comparison, other regions, including the Murray and Mallee and Yorke and Mid North saw significant reductions in lives lost in 2024. 

Typically the most common crash types on regional roads are hitting fixed objects (33 per cent of crashes), roll overs (19 per cent) and head-on collisions (19 per cent) – highlighting the dangers of being distracted behind the wheel. 

As people head home after the long weekend, RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches says road users should be extra cautious on SA roads, especially in regional areas, where 70 per cent of lives were lost in South Australia last year. 

“Driving on regional roads brings increased risks due to the higher speeds and long distances,” he says. 

“We’re calling on all road users to prioritise safety by driving to the conditions, adhering to the speed limits, avoiding distractions like mobile phones, and ensuring you’re well-rested before driving this long weekend.  

“Distraction, speeding, and fatigue continue to be the leading causes of road trauma. 

“Every life lost on our roads is a horrific tragedy, and serious injuries put major strain on individuals involved and their loved ones as well. 

“We want everyone to enjoy their holidays this weekend and return home safely.”