South Australian Police have issued a renewed warning to drivers after 30 people lost their lives on the state’s roads so far in 2025—up from 13 at the same point last year. The latest crackdown highlights dangerous driving behaviours, particularly distraction, speeding, and driving without due care.
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To reinforce the message, SA Police released images captured by mobile detection cameras, showing drivers engaging in unsafe conduct such as using mobile phones, eating, and holding drinks—sometimes all at once, with no hands on the steering wheel.
One image shows a driver holding a burger and a phone. Another captures a motorist with a drink in one hand and a phone in the other. Additional photos show a smartphone balanced on a driver’s arm, and even a pet on a driver’s lap.
Fatal Crashes and Vulnerable Road Users
According to Acting Superintendent Jaimi Burns from SAPOL’s Traffic Services Branch, eleven of the 30 fatalities so far this year involved vulnerable road users—including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Analysis of last year’s 91 road deaths points to speed, distraction, and dangerous driving as the leading causes, with most serious crashes occurring on regional roads.
Young drivers continue to be over-represented. In 2024, 11 young drivers aged 16 to 24 lost their lives, while 155 were seriously injured. Passengers under 16 also suffered, with three deaths and 16 serious injuries recorded.
Mobile Phone Laws in South Australia
Under SA’s road rules amended in June 2024:
- Using a mobile phone while driving (including Bluetooth, speaker mode, or GPS without a cradle) is illegal
- Legal use is limited to answering or making calls in an approved cradle, or using GPS with preloaded directions
- Offences carry a $556 fine, a $102 victims of crime levy, and three demerit points
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Driver Distraction Explained
According to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, distractions include:
- Using mobile phones
- Eating, drinking, or smoking
- Interacting with passengers or pets
- Adjusting in-car devices like radios
Driving with a pet on your lap is a separate offence in South Australia.
Festival Season Alert
SAPOL is calling for improved awareness and behaviour change across the board. Superintendent Burns added that due care means having both hands free and remaining focused while driving. Distraction can include anything from eating to speaking to children in the backseat.
Mobile detection cameras, now widely deployed across the state, continue to enforce these laws and are actively capturing violations.
Drug Driving and Regional Roads
Drug driving was a factor in 70 serious injury crashes on regional roads and 129 motorcycle injury crashes in 2024, compounding concerns over impaired driving.
Authorities have reiterated a clear message: stay alert, drive sober, avoid distractions, and follow speed limits. The consequences of ignoring these basic rules can be fatal.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official road safety guidelines, refer to the Government of South Australia or SA Police.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
