A new campaign targeting young drivers launches today, highlighting the life-changing consequences of committing road safety offences.
The campaign message, 'Lost your licence? Sucks to be you,' highlights the lifestyle regression young drivers face if they lose their licence.
Last year 81 per cent of drivers who receive an Immediate Loss of Licence penalties were young drivers (16-24-year-olds).
SA Police State Operations Service Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said becoming a new driver should be a liberating time, but it comes with serious responsibilities.
"If a young driver loses their licence, the excitement of driving themselves to work, sport and social events will go back to relying on parents and public transport again – and that sucks," he said.
"In addition to losing personal freedoms, young drivers should be aware of the risks of causing a loss of life or serious injuries from unsafe driving.
"Sadly, fatal and serious injury crashes resulting from at-fault young drivers is overrepresented in South Australia."
In 2024, young drivers found to be at-fault in crashes, caused 11 deaths, making up 12 per cent of all lives lost on the roads and caused 100 serious injuries.
Minister for Police, Stephen Mullighan MP said this campaign will send a clear message to young male drivers.
"Young men are overrepresented in serious and fatal crashes which is why this campaign is deliberately targeting that cohort of drivers.
"Getting your driver's licence is an exciting time that gives young people more freedom but it also comes with enormous responsibility.
"Losing a driver's license can have big impacts on a young person's professional and personal life so I strongly urge drivers to abide by the road rules and take care when driving."
