This National Road Safety Week the State Government is reminding South Australians that we all have a part to play to save lives, protect vulnerable road users and tackle road trauma.

A key theme of National Road Safety Week is the True Impact of Road Trauma. Over the past five years, 486 lives were lost on South Australian roads, with a further 3,500 individuals sustaining serious injury.

Of concern, South Australia recorded 99 lives lost in 2021. This was more than the 93 lives lost in 2020 and above the previous five-year average (2016-2020) of 95 lives lost per year.

People aged 16-24 make up 11 percent of our population, but sadly account for 21 percent of lives lost and 20 percent of all serious injuries on South Australian roads.

Throughout this week, the Adelaide Oval, Convention Centre, Entertainment Centre, Riverbank Bridge and O-Bahn bus tunnel will light up yellow in remembrance of the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 39,000 seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year.

National Road Safety Week is an annual initiative from the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group partnering with government and road safety organisations.

Over half of all crashes (56%) where lives are lost, and 36% of serious injury crashes, occur on regional and remote roads.

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Attributable to Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Joe Szakacs

National Road Safety Week is a time for us to reflect on the true impact of road trauma on our communities, and to remember that we all have a part to play in improving road safety.

We remember not only the 99 lives lost on our roads last year, but also the devastating and life-changing impact on those who suffered serious injuries, and their families.

It is important that we not only address dangerous behaviours like drink and drug driving, driver distraction and excessive speed, but also continue to reinforce positive behaviours that are simple and effective, such as wearing seatbelts.

Throughout this week, a number of iconic structures across Adelaide will be lit up in yellow in remembrance of the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 39,000 seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year. This should be a reminder to all of us to do whatever we can to reduce road trauma.