The October long weekend kicks off a busy season on South Australian roads as we move into the warmer months and the days become longer with the commencement of daylight saving.
This long weekend Police will conduct two state-wide road safety operations in an effort to keep road users safe through the application of education and enforcement activities.
South Australia Police will undertake both Operation Safe Long Weekend and Operation Stop Drink Drug Drive from Friday 29 September to Monday 2 October 2023.
Operation Safe Long Weekend will target the Fatal Five factors that contribute to road trauma on South Australian roads, being drink drug driving, dangerous driving, distraction, speeding and seatbelts.
Operation Stop Drink Drug Drive puts an additional emphasis on targeting drink and drug driving and is aimed to deter and detect drivers who use alcohol or drugs and drive. Drink and drug driving continues to be a significant contributing factor to the number of fatalities and serious injuries on South Australian roads.
In addition to these Operations the long weekend also sees the commencement of Operation Safe Hills which will be in operation until April 2024.
Operation Safe Hills is an annual operation which spans across the Adelaide Hills and parts of Barossa Valley and Hills Fleurieu area to target the expected rise in recreational traffic in these areas, particularly motorcyclists. Operation Safe Hills is undertaken in response to South Australia Police recognising the increased risk to road safety for all road users when drivers, and in particular, motorcycle riders, use these roads in greater number and often ride in a hazardous manner.
South Australia Police Traffic Services Brand Officer in Charge, Superintendent Darren Fielke urges road users to make good choices on the road this long weekend so that all road users can be safe.
"Good safe choices and responsible driving and riding behaviour significantly increase your chances of staying alive and not incurring serious injuries while using the roads this weekend. If you choose to engage in risky and irresponsible driving behaviour it can have far reaching and life changing consequences for yourself and other road users."
"Don't speed: Stick to the signed speed limit and drive to the conditions. Be alert: focus on driving and don't use your mobile. Pull over and stop and stop if it's an important call that can't wait. Wear a seatbelt: it's easy to put on. Don't drive if you've been drinking or using drugs: nominate a sober driver or use public transport. Obey the road rules: be patient and aware of the traffic around you. Don't drive when you're tired: rest for a minimum of 15 minutes every two hours to keep alert and refreshed.
"Traffic intelligence data shows us the sad truth that the next few months often reflect an increase in road trauma each year. Given the terrible year for lives lost already, we can all play a part in ensuring this number does not continue to climb. SAPOL will be playing their part by enforcing the road rules and educating road users during the road safety operations this weekend.
"Remember what's at risk when you're on the road- your personal safety, the safety of your loved ones, your relationships, your finances, your car, your licence and your personal freedom."
Minister for Police Joe Szakacs urged everyone to take an extra minute to plan their journey and understand the risks on our roads this weekend.
"Whether you're heading to a friend's place for a few drinks to watch the AFL Grand Final or visiting regional South Australia with your family, take that extra step to plan your trip to eliminate stress or unnecessary risks."
"SAPOL will be out in strong numbers and if you're driving over the legal limit of alcohol or with drugs in your system, you will be caught, and the punishments are severe."
"Don't become another fatality. Think about your family, friends, colleagues, pets and your loved ones. Be safe, be smart and be careful this long weekend."
87 people have lost their lives on South Australian roads this year.
