The Malinauskas Labor Government is pleading with drivers to be safe on the roads as Road Safety Week begins.
43 lives have already been lost on South Australian roads this year – tragically, 14 more than this time last year.
The lives lost have largely occurred on regional roads, where 24 people have lost their lives in regional areas so far this year, compared to 16 at the same time last year.
On metropolitan roads, 19 people have lost their lives year to date.
Every road death or serious injury is devastating and has an impact on families, friends, communities and the emergency service personnel who respond to incidents or work to save lives.
The State Government has released a comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan to reduce lives lost by 50 per cent and serious injures by 30 per cent by 2031.
This includes the introduction of time-based 40km/h zones at priority sites near schools to protect some of the state's most vulnerable road users.
Since the rollout began in November 2025, the new time-based speed limit has been installed at 60 schools, with around 160 schools expected to have 40km/h signage in place by the end of 2026.
Another key prevention measure has been the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras to reduce road trauma caused by driver distraction.
Tragically, this year we have seen a spike in the number of motorcyclists and cyclists killed or seriously injured.
10 motorcyclists have lost their lives on our roads so far, more than double this time last year, and SA Police report a further 77 have suffered a serious injury.
Cyclist fatalities on South Australian roads have also increased, with four deaths from collisions and 32 serious injuries.
In 2025, 87 lives were lost on South Australian roads including eight motorcyclists and three cyclists.
SA Health data has reported 2139 people sustained injuries that required treatment at one of South Australia's Trauma Services. Of these, almost 40 per cent were motorcyclists (468) or bicyclists (369).
The confronting statistics have experts urging road users to remain vigilant and aware of other road users while travelling throughout the day.
The State Government has spent more than $20 million over the past three years creating and improving cycling infrastructure including through the State Bike Fund - an annual subsidy funding program partnering with local Councils for the construction of cycling infrastructure on local roads.
In addition, $37 million has been allocated for pedestrian and cycling safety improvements across the state through the National Road Safety Program.
The projects include pedestrian crossings, raised safety platforms, a program to improve safety around schools and separated bikeway and pedestrian improvements.
The $150 million Adelaide Hills Productivity and Road Safety Package also includes a number of projects currently underway that deliver upgrades to some of the key roads in the region.
These projects include works such as road resurfacing, road, shoulder and curve widening, new safety barriers with motorcycle protection, new line marking, and improved lighting and signage.
Tips for motorists:
- Give cyclists plenty of room, keep a distance of one metre when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres when the speed limit is more than 60 km/h.
- Look out for cyclists and motorcyclists especially when turning or entering an intersection.
- Before opening your door check blind spots for cyclists.
- Do not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane when it is operating (except to turn left or enter private property).
- Remember, cyclists can legally ride two abreast.
Tips for cyclists:
- Keep to the left including when passing vehicles
- Be seen by wearing bright coloured clothing and use a white front light and red rear light
- Use hand signals
- Wear an approved helmet
- Look for other vehicles, never assume a driver has seen you
- If you ride on a footpath or shared path, give way to pedestrians
Tips for motorcyclists:
- Look for other road users who are not looking for you
- Wear an approved helmet and protective clothing and footwear – ideally in bright colours
- Ride to be seen, ride with your lights on even during the day, to make yourself more visible
- Give cars plenty of space
- Change lanes carefully
- Ride at a safe speed
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As put by Michael Brown
These are the tragedies that stay with families and communities forever.
Reducing the lives lost and serious injuries on South Australian roads is a key priority for the Malinauskas Government.
Motorbike and cycling fatalities are more than double the same time last year, Road Safety Week reminds us all, that our choices behind the wheel directly save lives.
As put by Professor Nicola Spurrier
As a cyclist myself I am very aware of how vulnerable cyclists are and try to be as careful as I can as a motorist.
Having experienced the shock and trauma of being hit by a car last year when out on my bike, I'm even more aware of how quickly something catastrophic can happen when drivers are inattentive.
Please drivers, be aware and share the space - look out and care for people on bikes.
