Mount Gambier has been named one of the worst hotspots for fatal and serious crashes behind the city, according to crash data analysed by RAA.


The Blue Lake city was listed alongside Murray Bridge and Whyalla in the data, which found that between 2013-2022, 184 people were either seriously injured or lost their lives on roads in the city of Adelaide – the worst suburb for casualty crashes in SA.


The next three locations were all regional towns: Murray Bridge, Whyalla (both 64) and Mount Gambier (63).


Other suburbs that saw a high number of crashes included McLaren Vale (53), Prospect (47) and North Adelaide (46).


In the first half of this year, 77% of lives lost have been in regional areas – up from the 10-year average of 66%.


The data has prompted an RAA road safety warning to coincide with the school holidays – with South Australian families flocking to the state’s regions for a break.


RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain reminded drivers of the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma.


“Around two-thirds of all lives lost are on regional roads each year, so South Australians preparing to head away for the school holidays need to keep safety front of mind,” Mr Mountain said.


“Regional roads are generally high speed, where a small lapse in concentration or moment of distraction can have catastrophic consequences.


“The areas of Murray Bridge, Whyalla and Mount Gambier and McLaren Vale are all in the top five locations for serious crashes.


“If you’re heading away, please adhere to the speed limit, take regular rest breaks and share the driving if you have multiple drivers in the vehicle.


“Remember the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma – distraction (including using any function of a mobile phone while driving), excessive speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and dangerous road user behaviours.”