Recent statistics have shed light on the alarming driving behaviour of South Australians, with nearly 60% of drivers admitting to rule-breaking on the roads. This revelation comes on a poignant day as a family shares their heart-wrenching experience in the hope of promoting road safety, coinciding with Fatality Free Friday.
Parents Andrea and Stuart Anderson spoke publicly about the tragic loss of their son, who died in a motorcycle accident in Wingfield last year. “The night we found out about the accident, our family was shattered,” Andrea reflected, underscoring the devastating impact of such incidents. Stuart emphasised that road safety is a universal issue, stating, “It affects everyone, and this tragedy can happen to anyone.”
They called for a cultural shift towards safer driving, expressing optimism that if the community could achieve even one day without road fatalities, it could eventually lead to longer periods of safety. “If we can have one day with no deaths, we can aim for two days, then four days,” they urged, stressing the importance of spreading this message.
Their powerful message aligns with a new survey revealing that a significant portion of South Australian drivers acknowledges breaking the law while driving. Last year, 1,306 individuals lost their lives on Australian roads, and 2024 is on a similar trajectory in terms of road fatalities.
South Australian Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Parrott highlighted the worrying trend of ordinary individuals making poor decisions behind the wheel, which can lead to devastating consequences. “Everyday pressure can turn someone into a potentially dangerous driver,” he noted, underlining the critical need for increased awareness and accountability.
Through their heartfelt appeal, the Andersons aim to foster greater community awareness and action regarding road safety, advocating for a collective responsibility to reduce road trauma.