3150 cars drive this deadly road every day
Seventy-four serious crashes. 109 injuries. Four families whose lives were changed forever when they found out a family member had died.
This is the toll from 2012-16 on the Horrocks Hwy between Gawler and Clare, a dodgy stretch of road where the serious crash rate per kilometre is now four times greater than it is for the rest of the highway. Because of this, the RAA is on a mission to help make it safer. And it’s not just us – in our 2017 Risky Roads survey, the highway was voted the most dangerous regional road by RAA members.
Now we’re asking you to go one step further, and join the drive for improved roads by becoming a Road Champion. Simply click on the link, pick your priorities and submit to make sure your voice is heard. You can then email your local candidate so you know how they feel in the lead up to the March state election. This will help RAA encourage all parliamentary candidates and political parties to commit to funding improvements for the Horrocks Hwy, including the re-sealing of several sections, and the installation of road barriers, rumble strips and overtaking lanes.
‘Our members have raised the issue of the Horrocks Hwy with us again and again,’ said Penny Gale, RAA General Manager Engagement and Innovation. ‘Given the severe undulations, big pot holes and narrow lanes, it’s easy to see why this stretch of road was found to be the most dangerous regional road in South Australia. We’re asking candidates to work with us to fix the problem, and reduce the road toll.’ Another concern is the lack of overtaking lanes. There are none on the 24km stretch between Auburn and Clare, and only three in each direction on the 68km section south of Auburn to Gawler.‘It’s unrealistic to think that motorists won’t want to overtake slower drivers, such as those towing caravans,’ said Ms Gale. ‘The roads need to be updated to match the usage, so we need to give motorists adequate opportunities to overtake safely. We’ve suggested at least four new overtaking lanes should be installed between Templers and Tarlee and Auburn and Clare.’ RAA is also calling for an independent Safety Camera Commissioner, upgrades to Victor Harbor Rd, and increased road-safety education for primary schools.