Crash data to help save lives
At the time of publishing, 96 people have lost their lives on South Australian roads this year, compared to 59 at this time last year – an increase of close to 63 per cent.
The 96 lives lost are a result of 696 serious crashes so far this year, already ahead of last year’s annual total of 692. A further 702 people have suffered serious injuries in these crashes.
But what’s causing the escalation in the number of lives lost?
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the number of fatalities is concerning.
“It’s alarming how quickly the number of lives lost on SA roads is rising this year,” Charles says.
We urge drivers to remember what’s at stake when they get behind the wheel or go for a ride.”
The Australian Automobile Association’s (AAA) Data Saves Lives campaign is calling on state and territory governments to share this road data across the country to better understand the factors contributing to serious injuries and lives lost on our roads.
“Having a greater understanding of the types of crashes killing and injuring South Australians may help to better predict and prevent future crashes,” Charles says.
“Knowing what’s happening in our own backyard is so important and having visibility of data across the country is another way we can support better outcomes and greater safety on our roads.”
The AAA is calling for a variety of data to be released, including the following types.
Crash data
Crash data includes Age, gender, behaviour, type of crash, vehicles involved, weather conditions, road conditions, and whether the people involved were drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians, or motorcyclists.
Road data
The AAA wants International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) road safety ratings, based on assessments of 450,000km Australian roads, released to the public.
Enforcement data
This includes information on the relative efficacy of random breath tests, roadside drug tests, and mobile telephone and speeding infringements.
“Having access to data from across the country means decisions relating to road infrastructure funding and safety can be made in a transparent and evidence-based way,” Charles says.
“Together with the Australian Automobile Association, we support data transparency for better outcomes for our RAA members and all South Australian road-users.”
Get involved – let your local MP know what you think, by visiting datasaveslives.org.au