TWO-THIRDS of SA road fatalities have occurred in country areas so far in 2021 - a significant rise from the 57 per cent ratio recorded across the past five years.
Fifty-three lives were lost on SA roads in the first half of 2021 - the equal second-highest since 53 fatalities were recorded in 2013.
The road toll is seven higher than at the same time last year, and means the state is on-track to record more than 100 road fatalities this year.
The RAA is pleading with road users to make safety their priority in an attempt to reduce road trauma.
"All road users can play their part by being safe and not contributing to the number of lives lost in road crashes,'' RAA senior manager safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain said.
"Whether you are on Adelaide's streets, enjoying a driving holiday this school break or are a regular user of regional roads, it's crucial not to be complacent or distracted when behind the wheel.
"Also be aware of other drivers' behaviour, as their focus may not be where it should be.''
Police figures show the most common fatal crash type this year has involved single vehicles running off the road, accounting for 47 per cent of lives lost.
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"The Barossa, Light & Lower North local government region has recorded the highest number of regional fatalities in the first six months this year, with 12 lives lost - or 23pc of the state's total - compared to three at the same time last year," Mr Mountain said.
"Police figures also show 23 of the lives lost in the first half of the year were people aged 50 to 69, compared to nine during the same period in 2020.''
Fatalities in metropolitan Adelaide have also risen in this period, up 33pc from 12 last year to 16 this year.
Mr Mountain urged motorists to drive to the conditions, with winter proving especially hazardous.
"These include heavy rain, fog, slippery roads and some areas may even experience black ice,'' he said.
"These conditions can dramatically affect how your vehicle behaves, particularly if you don't adjust your driving by slowing down, reducing cornering speed and allowing a greater stopping distance.
"Safely negotiating such conditions requires our full attention.''
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