The notorious Stockwell Road and Penrice Road intersection at Light Pass was in the spotlight again this week following a collision between a hatchback and a bus, carrying school children, last Tuesday afternoon.

Seriously injuring the driver of the hatchback, the collision is the 12th crash at that intersection in the past three years – prompting Barossa Police to issue a timely and heartfelt road safety reminder to the local community.

Speaking with The Leader, Barossa Local Service Area Chief Inspector and Officer in Charge, Mark Collise emphasised the importance of paying more attention at intersections – citing that five of the 12 crashes at that junction have resulted in hospitalisations.

"A 25-year-old local man remains in a serious condition in hospital as a result of this latest collision," Chief Inspector Collise said.

"Barossa Police want to address a myth that crashes at intersections involve people who 'don't know the roads' - in over half of these crashes the driver 'at fault' was a local."

Occurring at 3.45pm, the incident, which also involved a 64-year-old and 15 school students, was attended by SA Ambulance, South Australia Police and CFS personnel – many of whom live and work in the Barossa.

"… The trauma of attending one of these crashes that involve someone we know is real," Chief Inspector Collise explained.

"The effects of road trauma within country communities are well known and more far-reaching than just those directly involved - families, friends, emergency services and frontline medical services are all impacted."

The harsh reality is, the majority of lives are lost on country roads and driver attitudes need to change before another critical incident occurs in the Barossa.

"Between 2020 and 2022, 70 per cent of fatalities occurred in country areas, and the majority of those killed were country people," Chief Inspector Collise said.

"Distraction and inattention are a big part of this.

"We simply ask that when people approach an intersection, whether it is governed by a stop sign or give way sign, that they do the right thing.

"A few extra seconds is a small price to pay to ensure you get home safely."

Discussing the incident, Member for Schubert, Mrs Ashton Hurn said it is a relief no one on the school bus was seriously injured, adding that her thoughts were also with the driver.

"Road safety is critical, and we all play a part in improving it - whether that is by driving with patience, observing and obeying road signs and being considerate of others," Mrs Hurn said.

Upgraded in 2021, the $750,000 'Stockwell Road and Penrice Road Intersection' project was funded through the Commonwealth Black Spot Program - creating an off-set intersection by installing 'teardrop' medians at the Penrice leg, as well as improved line marking, signage and lighting.

"Changes were made a few years ago at this specific intersection in a bid to improve visibility and safety - and if the experts in the department say more needs to be done, then that should be assessed," Mrs Hurn said.

"Ultimately we need to all work together to improve safety on our roads."

Failing to give way at an intersection and other offences carry a $616 expiation and three demerit points.