South Australia is encountering renewed scrutiny over its road safety performance, with recent figures indicating a substantial increase in pedestrian deaths in Adelaide.
Data reviewed by the Royal Automobile Association (RAA) showed that nine pedestrians died on metropolitan roads in the first half of 2025. This represents a 137% rise compared to the average for the same period over the previous five years.
Most of these fatalities occurred during nighttime hours, and at least one-third involved drivers who left the scene.
The mid-year statistics also highlighted that individuals aged 70 and above accounted for one in four road deaths so far this year, marking a 16.3% increase from the five-year average for this age group.
Several major roads, including Dukes Highway, South Road, Uley Road, and Echunga Road, have each seen multiple fatalities.
While metropolitan Adelaide accounted for 45% of total road deaths – higher than the typical 33% – this shift is attributed to a decline in regional fatalities, although regional areas still represent the majority of deaths statewide.
South Australia is among a minority of jurisdictions that have not experienced an overall increase in road deaths compared to recent historical averages.
Despite this, the state is not on pace to achieve its objectives under the National Road Safety Strategy, which calls for a 50% reduction in fatalities and a 30% reduction in serious injuries by 2031.
To meet these benchmarks, South Australia would need to keep annual road deaths below 75 and serious injuries under 614.
As of the mid-year point, the state had recorded 38 deaths and 402 serious injuries, suggesting that the target for serious injuries may not be met by year’s end.
Nationally, no state or territory is currently meeting the National Road Safety Strategy’s targets, with the total number of road fatalities across Australia standing 9% above the five-year average.
RAA senior traffic engineer Matt Vertudaches said ongoing reductions in fatalities are necessary if the state is to meet its road safety goals.
“It is important to remember that behind every number is a real person who has either had their life cut tragically short or been mentally and physically affected by a crash,” he said.
He added that open discussions about transport options for older adults are important and investment in regional road safety remains a priority.
“We all have a role to play in reducing road trauma – whether we’re behind the wheel or as a passenger or another road user,” Vertudaches said. “While it can be difficult, it is important that families have open conversations about safe transport options for older loved ones who may be more vulnerable in a crash.”
Alongside the rise in pedestrian incidents, RAA Insurance has reported a significant increase in claims related to kangaroo collisions.
Over the past year, more than 2,100 claims were submitted for vehicle incidents involving kangaroos, representing a 44% increase compared to the same period two years earlier.
The insurer attributed this trend in part to drier weather, which has led kangaroos to move closer to roads and populated areas in search of food and water.
