South Australia’s rising road toll at the start of 2026, together with recent insurer and survey data on crash patterns and distracted driving, is drawing closer scrutiny from motor insurers, brokers, and risk managers to how, where, and when crashes are occurring.
The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) has called on motorists to exercise caution after the state recorded its worst start to a calendar year for road deaths in more than a decade. Ten people have died in crashes on South Australian roads so far in 2026, making it the deadliest opening to a January since 2011. RAA continues to list speeding, distraction, fatigue, drink and drug driving, and not wearing a seatbelt as key contributing factors. RAA senior traffic engineer Matt Vertudaches said: “It’s been a horrific start to the year on our roads, with 10 lives lost already. We’re urging motorists to drive to the conditions, stick to speed limits, and avoid distractions – also take regular breaks and swap drivers where possible to reduce the risk of fatigue on long trips. Every life lost and serious injury on our roads is a tragedy.” For insurers with South Australian motor portfolios, the early‑year toll is consistent with long‑distance and holiday‑period exposure that can drive higher‑severity claims.
RAA figures indicate that regional South Australia accounts for a substantial share of serious crashes. About two‑thirds of fatal incidents occur outside metropolitan areas, with single‑vehicle run‑off‑road crashes the most common type of fatal crash. Rollovers and head‑on collisions are the next most frequent causes of death on regional roads. Some regions have moved above their historical averages. The Limestone Coast recorded the largest increase in lives lost last year, with fatalities at 34% above its five‑year average. The Yorke and Mid North region also recorded more deaths, at 25% above its longer‑term average. Several major routes have been identified as recurring locations for fatalities. In 2025, Horrocks Highway recorded five road deaths, the highest figure for any single highway in the state. Main South Road, Dukes Highway, and Port Wakefield Highway each recorded three lives lost. For underwriters and brokers, these patterns reinforce the value of monitoring accumulation and loss experience at corridor and regional levels.
oui analysis points to recurring patterns by day of week and time of day that are relevant for pricing and telematics‑based programs. Friday recorded the highest share of accidents in 2025, accounting for 15.8% of weekly crashes and remaining above all other days. Sunday recorded the smallest share, at 10.79% of weekly accidents. These results are consistent with 2024 data, suggesting relatively stable end‑of‑week travel and congestion trends.
On an hourly basis, 3pm was identified as the single worst hour for crashes, aligning with the mid‑afternoon school run and increased traffic movements. By contrast, the period from midnight to 5am recorded the lowest crash volumes. These temporal patterns are being used by some insurers and intermediaries to shape the timing and focus of road‑safety messaging, telematics feedback, and other risk‑management measures around known high‑risk windows, including Friday afternoons and school‑zone periods.
Consumer research indicates that self‑reported risky behaviour behind the wheel is common, even as many drivers rate their skills positively, with potential implications for both claim frequency and severity. A Compare the Market survey found that 54.7% of Australian respondents had eaten or drunk non‑alcoholic beverages while driving, the most frequently reported distraction. Other behaviours included driving above the speed limit (44.9%), driving while fatigued (38.2%), and reaching into the back seat (24.6%). In addition, 17.4% said they had sent or read text messages while driving, and 10.5% acknowledged running a red light. Despite this, 42% of participants described themselves as “great and safe” drivers, while 37.9% rated themselves as “good but could be better.” Only 1.4% regarded themselves as unsafe. Almost one‑third reported using a mobile phone while driving; among those drivers, texting and messaging (45.2%) were the most common activities, followed by navigation (42.5%), phone calls (31.2%), and music selection (28.2%).
Budget Direct’s 2024 survey of 1,000 drivers reported that 22% now feel confident using their phones while driving, up from 12% in 2020 and 19% in 2023. Within the two weeks before the survey, 45% had used their phones while driving, mainly for navigation, checking phones at traffic lights, changing music, or reading and responding to messages. Respondents most often cited a belief that they could manage phone use, habit, or emergencies as reasons. Additional research from AAMI found that 38% of drivers had been involved in an accident or near‑miss due to distraction, and nearly 90% had driven while distracted at some point. Cognitive distraction, such as thinking about personal issues, was reported by 36% of respondents. About one in four said they had been distracted by mobile phones or smartwatches, and 60% said they had adjusted entertainment or navigation systems while driving.
