Spike in serious motorcycle crashes
Serious motorbike crashes in South Australia increased by 58 per cent between 2019 and 2023, compared to the five years prior.
Despite a decrease in South Australian motorbike licence holders, there were 966 serious crashes involving motorcyclists from 2019 to 2023 – an increase of more than 350 when compared to the previous five-year period.
Shockingly, one in 10 motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes didn’t hold a valid motorbike licence.
Young men most at risk
An overwhelming majority of motorcyclist casualty crashes involved male riders (93 per cent). Males aged 16 to 28 are most at risk, accounting for 34 per cent of crashes involving motorcyclists.
Of all age groups and genders, 20-year-old males were found to be involved in the most motorbike crashes on SA roads.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain is urging riders to understand the potential risks when ride a motorcycle and take extra care on the road.
“During winter, when roads are wet and slippery, and there’s less daylight hours, motorcyclists should have to take particular care, as these conditions can adversely impact how your motorcycle responds.” Charles says.
“So far this year, five motorcyclists have lost their lives and 123 have sustained serious injuries on SA roads which has a devastating impact on road safety outcomes and the community.”
More than half of motorcycle crashes are occurring on regional roads. On top of that almost half of motorcycle crashes involved a run-off road crash, with the most common being a rollover or hitting a fixed object.
Protect yourself
“RAA is urging motorcycle riders to wear the appropriate safety wear – including a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots to best protect themselves when out on the road,” Charles says.
Without the correct protective clothing, a person sliding in a crash can lose 1mm of flesh for every 2km/h they’re travelling over 40km/h. Sliding in a crash can even scrape a bone.
Motorcycle crashes
Serious motorcyclist injuries January 1 to August 30 2025.
Motorcycle protective clothing is usually rated by motorcycle clothing assessment program MotoCAP. So, RAA recommends motorcyclists consider equipment with the highest safety rating you can afford.
When it comes to protecting the head, it’s a legal requirement for motorcyclists and their passengers to wear a helmet. Full-face helmets, which include a chin panel and integrated visor, are the best option.
Sharing the road
All motorists can help keep motorcyclists safe on the road. It’s as simple as being aware of your surroundings. Always check your mirrors and blind spots and indicate before when changing lanes. While this is an important habit to get into, it’s crucial when motorcyclists might be nearby and potentially lane filtering.
Lane filtering – where a motorcyclist travels at low speed between two marked lanes of slow or stationary vehicles – has been legal for motorbike riders with R and R-date licences since 2017. This means other motorists need to watch out for lane filtering motorcyclists when they’re stopped or moving slowly in traffic.
When overtaking a motorcycle, treat them like any other vehicle. Motorcyclists can take up an entire lane, so overtaking them is no different from passing any other truck or car you encounter on the road.
Lastly, make sure you keep a safe distance behind a motorcyclist if they’re in front of you. This is particularly important in poor weather conditions as motorbike riders have a tougher time handling slippery conditions and any oil or debris that may be on the road.