The 2019-2023 South Australia motor vehicle accident data reveals notable differences in accident rates by license type, age group, and gender. Full license holders account for the highest number of incidents, while young drivers (especially ages 20-24) show a disproportionately high involvement in accidents. DUI and drug involvement are major factors in severe accidents, and vulnerable road users like motorcyclists and pedestrians often face higher injury severity. This report highlights essential safety insights for learner and overseas drivers, emphasizing the importance of awareness and safe driving practices to reduce accident risks.
1. Accidents by License Class
- Full License (Class C): Involved in the majority of accidents, with 16,728 incidents recorded.
- Provisional and Restricted Licenses: Provisional (CR) licenses had 1,486 incidents, while provisional licenses for riders (CRD) had 541 incidents. Heavy Rigid (HR) license holders were involved in 503 incidents.
- Learner License: Learner drivers accounted for 116 incidents, emphasizing the need for gaining experience with supervision.
- Multi-Combination (MC) Class: Representing heavy vehicle operators, the MC class saw 169 incidents.
- Fatalities and Injuries by License Class: Among all license classes, there were 812 fatalities, 6,075 serious injuries, and 32,328 minor injuries, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety protocols across all license categories.
2. Accident Reasons: DUI and Drug Involvement
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence): Refers to incidents where drivers operated a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs beyond legal limits. DUI was involved in 1,292 incidents, with 23,893 incidents not specifying DUI involvement.
- Drug Involvement: Noted in 1,622 incidents, with 23,563 incidents not reporting drug presence.
- Fatalities and Injuries in DUI and Drug Incidents: DUI and drug-related incidents contributed to 238 fatalities, 1,285 serious injuries, and 2,859 minor injuries, underscoring the significant risks associated with impaired driving.
3. Vehicle Types Involved in Accidents
- Sedans and Station Wagons: Sedans accounted for 11,330 accidents, while station wagons had 5,346 accidents.
- Motorcycles and Bicycles: Motorcycles experienced 2,253 incidents and bicycles 1,968 incidents, with higher severity of injuries often associated.
- Utility Vehicles and Pedestrian Accidents: Utility vehicles were involved in 1,775 accidents, and pedestrian-related incidents accounted for 1,063 incidents.
- Fatalities and Injuries by Vehicle Type: Vulnerable vehicle types, including motorcycles and pedestrians, saw 190 fatalities, 1,687 serious injuries, and 3,805 minor injuries, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness on the road.
4. Casualty Age Distribution
- Young Drivers (Under 25 Years): Young drivers experienced 5,862 incidents, with particularly high involvement among those aged 20-24.
- Middle-Aged Drivers (25-40 Years): Casualties in this age range are also significant, potentially including many overseas drivers, with 4,328 incidents recorded.
- Miscellaneous Ages: Some entries have unspecified ages, with 243 listed as “XXX.”
- Fatalities and Injuries by Age: Among young drivers (under 25), there were 206 fatalities, 1,702 serious injuries, and 9,921 minor injuries, highlighting the increased risk for younger drivers.
5. Casualty Gender Distribution
- Male Casualties: Accounted for 13,149 incidents.
- Female Casualties: Totaled 11,974 incidents.
- Unknown Gender: 62 records were unspecified.
- Fatalities and Injuries by Gender: Male casualties included 566 fatalities, 3,848 serious injuries, and 15,190 minor injuries; female casualties included 245 fatalities, 2,219 serious injuries, and 17,017 minor injuries. These numbers highlight substantial risks across both genders, emphasizing the need for safe driving practices.
