Nathan Anderson tragically lost his life following a motorcycle crash on his way home from trade school in October 2024.
The 19-year-old lost control of his motorcycle when he applied the brakes suddenly, crashing his into a roadside guard rail.
His parents, Stuart and Andrea, have generously donated his pride and joy to the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Road Safety Centre in the hope that others can learn from Nathan's story and protect themselves on the road. They shared this about Nathan:
"Nathan was a kind and caring person, that cared more about others than himself, he had just started to live his life, leaving school and starting his career in motor mechanics, where he never lived down his questionable hair cut giving him the nickname of mudflap, he was your typical teenager enjoying life, going out with his mates living for the weekend going for ride. His crash has forever changed our lives, and our family will forever have a part of us missing. We miss his laughter, the jokes, and the occasional bickering between him and his sister, and there is not a moment in the day we don't think of him."
Acting Officer in Charge of Traffic Services Branch, Inspector Jaimi Burns said the kindness of the Anderson family will no doubt have an impact on motorcycle riders who visit the Road Safety Centre.
"Nathan's motorcycle serves as a reminder of the vulnerability these road users face, whilst also remembering his story," Inspector Burns said.
"Last year 18 motorcycle riders lost their lives on our roads, and four more have lost their lives in 2025.
"Riders will also be able to use the new motorcycle simulator to test their skills in handling, distraction, navigating riding at a range of speeds and avoiding unexpected road hazards."
The simulator enhances the rider's learning with a 'lived experience' to help them explore their limits safely and subsequently motivating safer road behaviours.
With 209 riders receiving serious injuries in 2024, the use of protective clothing is also a key lesson at the Road Safety Centre. A new mannequin shows the details of the contrasting impacts of life-saving protective clothing in the event of a crash.
Half of the mannequin wears full motorcycle safety clothing and equipment, scuffed in places a motorcyclist would typically experience impact to the body in the event of a crash. The other half wears torn casual clothing and a show a range of typical, and often horrific, motorcycle crash injuries like skin lesions, protruding broken bones and head injuries.
"The new simulator and mannequin are part of a motorcycle safety session which covers the licencing scheme, safety equipment, choice outcomes, risks and consequence, as well as other relevant topics," Inspector Burns said.
Register for the next session 'A Guide to Obtaining your Motorcycle Licence – Road Safety Session' on Eventbrite.
